Aubergines market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

Production of fresh aubergines in Central America remained stable at around 200,000 tonnes in 2018 and 2019, supported by growing consumer preference for fresh, local, and organic produce, which helped maintain output levels. This stability was also facilitated by the increasing adoption of organic farming practices in the region, aligning with broader demand for sustainable and traceable fresh vegetables.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 severely disrupted supply chains and cold storage infrastructure, causing production to drop sharply to 129,300 tonnes. A partial recovery to 143,300 tonnes occurred in 2021, driven by heightened demand for healthy and refrigerated foods. However, domestic market volume continued to contract dramatically, falling from 57,200 tonnes in 2020 to just 11,700 tonnes by 2023, as a rising proportion of production was diverted to export markets. During this period, consumer trends such as the growth of e-commerce for fresh fruit and a focus on convenience and sustainability persisted, but did not offset the overall reduction in local availability.

By 2024, Mexico had become the world's second-largest exporter of fresh aubergines, a development that influenced regional trade patterns in Central America. The region's own exports reached 109,300 tonnes, reflecting a continued outward orientation of supply.

Production aubergines in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of aubergines, 2017-2020

World map of production of aubergines, 2017-2020

In Central America, aubergine production reached 129.3 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 36.7% decline from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 35.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.5%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 204.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of aubergine output in Central America was $144.9 million US in 2020, down 29.9% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 38.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.1%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 12.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports aubergines from Central America

Exports in kind, t

Aubergine exports from Central America grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume stood at 72 159 tonnes, showing a modest 3.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 37.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, aubergine exports from Central America were almost entirely directed to the United States, which accounted for 95.7% of total export volumes.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Central America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Aubergine export values from Central America increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to $80 854 thousand US, reflecting a strong 14.6% year-on-year improvement. Between 2017 and 2020, export values grew by 30.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 9.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $58 831 thousand US, which also saw the largest annual decline of 5.2%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 19.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, the United States dominated aubergine export values from Central America, capturing 96.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Central America in value, 2017-2020

Imports aubergines to Central America

Imports in kind, t

Aubergine imports into Central America rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 36 tonnes, representing a 47.9% year-on-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 35.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of -13.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 20 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual decline of 64.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Asia, not elsewhere specified, and the United States were the leading suppliers of aubergines to Central America, together accounting for 20.0% of total import volumes.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Central America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Aubergine import values into Central America showed notable fluctuations during the period. Imports fell to a low in 2018 and then varied by 3.4 times from that point. In 2020, imports reached $52 thousand US, up 75.0% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $23 thousand US, which also saw the largest annual decline of 70.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Asia, not elsewhere specified, and the United States played key roles in aubergine import values, together representing 42.8% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Central America in value, 2017-2020