Apples, pears and quinces market in El Salvador

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for fresh apples, pears and quinces in El Salvador fluctuated between 63 000 t and 67 500 t from 2018 to 2023. After a slight dip in 2019, consumption grew notably in 2020, stabilized through 2021, then declined in 2022 before recovering in 2023. Domestic production remained relatively steady above 44 000 t, while imports increased significantly, particularly in 2020 and again from 2023 onward, becoming a major supply source.

Key developments included methodological improvements in agricultural production reporting via the 2018-2019 National Agricultural Survey, which enhanced data accuracy. In 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture reported slight price increases for agricultural products, which could influence marketing dynamics. By 2023, price stability indicated balanced supply and demand conditions in the fresh fruit market.

From 2024, El Salvador further opened its market to agricultural imports, including fruits from the United States, which expanded import availability. Concurrently, the Consumer Ombudsman's weekly price reports in markets and wholesale stores promoted greater transparency and consumer protection, affecting the commercialization and consumption of fresh fruits.

Production apples, pears and quinces in El Salvador

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of apples, pears and quinces, 2018-2021

World map of production of apples, pears and quinces, 2018-2021

In 2021, El Salvador produced 44 761 tons of apples, pears, and quinces, showing relatively stable production compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 43 798 tons. That year also saw the largest decline of 4.1%. In contrast, 2020 experienced the largest increase of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports apples, pears and quinces from El Salvador

Exports in kind, t

The export market for these fruits showed significant volatility during this period. In 2019, exports reached their lowest point at just 2 tons, representing a 90.1% decline. By 2020, exports surged to 20 tons, marking a dramatic 1 077.0% increase from the previous year. Overall, exports varied by a factor of 11.8 between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Guatemala accounted for nearly all of El Salvador's exports of apples, pears, and quinces in volume terms, with a dominant share of 99.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2019, the value reached its lowest point at 4 thousand US dollars, reflecting a 74.2% decline. By 2020, export values jumped to 18 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp 399.4% increase from 2019. The overall variation between the 2019 low and 2020 high was fivefold.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During the 2018-2021 period, El Salvador's exports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms were almost exclusively directed to Guatemala, which absorbed 98.3% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from El Salvador in value, 2018-2021

Imports apples, pears and quinces to El Salvador

Imports in kind, t

After rising for two consecutive years, imports of apples, pears, and quinces into El Salvador declined in 2021, reaching 22 338 tons, which was 1.6% lower than the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 22 709 tons, representing an 18.3% increase. Over the entire 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 25%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Chile and the United States were the dominant sources for El Salvador's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in volume terms, together accounting for 85.1% of total flows, while other markets supplied the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

Imports of apples, pears, and quinces into El Salvador increased for the third consecutive year in 2021, reaching 26 771 thousand US dollars, which marked a modest 9.5% advance over the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import values grew by 36%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During the 2018-2021 period, the United States and Chile continued to lead as the primary markets for El Salvador's imports of apples, pears, and quinces in value terms, together accounting for 86.9% of total flows, with other partners playing a supplementary role.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to El Salvador in value, 2018-2021