TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Guatemalan media outlet Con Criterio reported on Friday (May 24) that China has banned imports of coffee beans and macadamia nuts, following Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo's attendance at President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) inauguration. 

Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT) said on May 23 that China blocked imports of coffee beans and macadamia nuts from Guatemala, sparking outrage among Guatemalan exporters. According to AGEXPORT, Chinese buyers and distributors informed exporters their goods would be detained in China’s ports, per CNA.

China condemned President Arevalo's video conference with President Lai and attendance at Lai’s inauguration on May 20. Beijing said these actions harm bilateral trade, while Guatemalan suppliers accused China of political blackmail and called for a shift away from the Chinese market. 

According to CNA, an estimated 40 shipments of coffee beans are either awaiting export or stuck overseas. China has not issued an official statement, but product distributors received requests to halt shipments.

Guatemalan suppliers noted that while Beijing is their second-largest trading partner, exports to China account for 13% of Guatemala's total exports, but Guatemala only accounts for less than 1% of China's imports. This significant trade imbalance is prompting Guatemalan businesses to seek alternative markets.

Guatemala is the leading macadamia nut producer in Latin America and fifth worldwide. The Chinese import ban is estimated to cost Guatemalan suppliers millions of dollars U.S.

Jorge Ayala, president of the Guatemalan Congress' Economics Committee, urged Economy Minister Gabriela García-Quinn to protect domestic exporters. He emphasized the impact on hundreds of producers and called for the ministry to collaborate with AGEXPORT to stabilize affected businesses.