90 percent of US imported second-hand garments are reused domestically in Guatemala
The global secondhand clothing market doesn_t necessarily carry a good name_ as textile waste from developed countries has been disproportionately impacting countries from Ghana and Kenya to Uganda and Nigeria_ according to Bank & Vogue. With many third-world countries lacking the proper infrastructure to handle the sheer volume of imported used clothing_ the large majority of these textiles end up in overflowing landfills_ creating environmental pollution while hindering local textile and apparel industries.
However_ a new report from Garson & Shaw_ a global wholesale supplier of used clothing_ has found that nearly 90 percent of imported clothing to Guatemala is not dumped_ but actually reused domestically_ challenging misconceptions about textile waste dumping while outlining the innovative recycling solutions that exist for non-reusable products.
The report found that 98.6 percent of secondhand clothing imported into Guatemala originated from the United States in 2023. Equal to more than 131 million kilograms of apparel_ this makes the US Guatemala_s largest supplier_ while also positioning Guatemala as one of Central America_s largest markets for used clothing. At the same time_ it also underlines the importance of cross-border supply chains when it comes to recycling and circular economy practices.
Secondhand clothing imports in Guatemala are driving local value & job creation
The secondhand clothing market in Guatemala is said to operate through both formal and informal channels_ according to the report. Megapaca_ the country_s largest formal retailer_ employs over 4_100 people and manages nationwide operations. Next to this_ there also exists an extensive informal economy for the used clothing trade_ composed of market traders_ micro-retailers_ and street vendors_ who are responsible for last-mile distribution.
Imports are largely in the form of unsorted _ropa cruda_ bales_ which are high in demand among local businesses that prefer to handle their own sorting operations. These _ropa cruda_ bales allow domestic stakeholders to conduct local sorting_ grading_ and pricing_ supporting value creation within the country.
“Secondhand clothing shipped to Guatemala goes through multiple layers of value extraction by local sorters_ retailers_ and vendors_” said Jennifer Wang_ founder of Full Cycle Resource and lead author of the report_ in a statement. “In fact_ 88 per cent to 92 per cent of clothing is sorted for reuse. What we found is that the activity of sorting locally was not only valued but vital. It adds economic value_ creates jobs_ and ensures clothing can meet the specific needs of local markets.”
Prices in informal markets range from 0.13 USD for low-grade garments to 6.48 USD for higher-quality items_ meaning that it is poised to be a highly lucrative market for traders. Imported clothing undergoes a two-stage sorting process_ according to the report. This includes removing non-reusable items and separating accessories and shoes_ followed by detailed quality grading. Waste rates for sorted imports sit at approximately 5 percent_ compared to 12.2 percent for unsorted clothing_ underlining the importance of sorting.
How secondhand clothing imports are suporting women's economic empowerment in Guatemala
The report also found that the secondhand clothing market is a notable contributor to women_s economic participation. A survey of 382 traders indicated that 60.7 percent were women_ with 57.4 percent of all secondhand clothing businesses owned by women_ over twice the national average for female business ownership. In addition_ 94.2 percent of respondents reported improved household finances_ giving Guatemalan women more power in their households. The gender wage gap in this sector is 17 percent_ which is below national and regional averages.
Lastly_ the report found that Guatemala_s overall waste management infrastructure remains limited_ with a collection rate of approximately 55 percent and no separate tracking of textile waste. However_ waste from the secondhand clothing sector represents a small share of total volumes and is managed more effectively than many other waste streams.
This report is significant because it shifts the conversation from waste to opportunity_” added Lisa Jepsen_ CEO of Garson & Shaw. “It offers concrete evidence that global reuse systems are not only environmentally beneficial but also economically and socially valuable. It highlights the need to integrate international reuse into US waste and circular economy policy.”