NIHC JOINS USDA AGRIBUSINESS TRADE MISSION TO GUATEMALA TO ADVANCE U.S. INDUSTRIAL HEMP MARKET OPPORTUNITIES
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2025 – The National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC), the leading trade association representing the U.S. industrial hemp industry, is honored to participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agribusiness Trade Mission (ATM) to Guatemala March 2-7. This mission underscores NIHC’s commitment to expanding international market opportunities for U.S. industrial hemp and fostering sustainable growth within the global textile industry.
NIHC will be represented by NIHC member Guy Carpenter, president of Bear Fiber, an innovative company located in North Carolina specializing in cottonized hemp and natural fiber integration. In addition, Katheren Moreira, regional manager for LATAM & Caribbean at Atlas Solutions will participate as an NIHC representative. During the mission, he will engage with textile manufacturers, mills and brands in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras—three nations with robust textile sectors and a growing focus on sustainable materials. With the increasing demand for eco-friendly alternatives, cottonized hemp presents an ideal solution, offering durability, breathability and environmental benefits.
“This trade mission provides a significant opportunity to introduce U.S. industrial hemp to a dynamic and expanding market,” said NIHC President & CEO Patrick Atagi. “We sincerely thank the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) for including NIHC in this mission and recognizing the growing global interest in U.S. hemp products. Through strategic engagement, we aim to strengthen partnerships that will enhance the integration of hemp fiber into Latin America’s textile supply chain.”
Guatemala, the largest economy in Central America, has demonstrated strong economic growth, with U.S. agricultural exports to the region totaling $1.7 billion in 2023. Under the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), the phase-out of remaining tariffs by 2025 is expected to further enhance trade opportunities.
Such USDA-sponsored ATMs lead to interest in hemp as an eco-friendly alternative within the Latin American textile industry. For example, the textile company WTS in Peru has incorporated U.S. hemp fiber into its production with the support of Bear Fiber and NIHC. This collaboration has enabled the manufacturing of high-quality textiles containing up to 60 percent hemp, supplying major U.S. retailers including TJ Maxx, Costco and Nordstrom.
NIHC and Bear Fiber remain committed to pioneering sustainable solutions within the textile industry and look forward to leveraging this trade mission to expand market access for U.S. industrial hemp.
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About the National Industrial Hemp Council (NIHC)
The National Industrial Hemp Council is the premier trade association advocating for the U.S. industrial hemp industry. Based in Washington, D.C., NIHC’s membership includes growers, processors, sellers and laboratories. The organization is committed to advancing the hemp industry through advocacy, international development, and programs like the exclusive NIHC Verify initiative, which upholds rigorous testing standards and promotes product safety. For more information visit www.NIHCoa.com.