Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Jamaica

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for fresh capsicum and pimenta fruits in Jamaica showed relative stability, fluctuating slightly between 19 000 t and 19 500 t. This period was characterized by steady domestic consumption without major supply-side disruptions or significant policy changes.

A notable shift occurred in 2021, when market volume increased by over 12% to 21 199 t. This expansion was primarily driven by a surge in export prices for bell pepper, which reached a record high and encouraged greater domestic production. The growth trend continued into 2022, with volume climbing to 24 118 t, supported by sustained production incentives.

The market contracted by 8% to 22 170 t in 2023. This decline was largely attributed to severe weather events, including Hurricane Beryl and prolonged drought, which caused supply shortages and disrupted production. Concurrently, export demand for capsicum softened, further contributing to the downturn.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Jamaica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

Jamaica's production of capsicum and pimenta fruits declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 18 990 tonnes, marking a slight decrease of 2.1% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 3.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 19 571 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 7.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Jamaica in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Jamaica

Exports in kind, t

The export market for capsicum and pimenta fruits showed significant volatility during this period. Jamaica exported 159.9 tonnes in 2020, representing a steep drop of 28.3% compared to 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 87.0 tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2019 with 223.1 tonnes. This created a 2.6-fold difference between the high and low points. The most substantial increase happened in 2019, when exports surged by 156.3%.

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

From 2017 through 2020, the United States remained the primary destination for Jamaica's capsicum and pimenta fruit exports, accounting for 73.5% of total shipments. The remaining 26.5% was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Jamaica's exports of capsicum and pimenta fruits were valued at 707.0 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest decrease of 1.1% from the previous year. Over the four-year period from 2017 to 2020, export values increased by 42.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 459.4 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 715.2 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline happened in 2018 with a 7.1% drop, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 55.7% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States continued to be the leading buyer of Jamaica's capsicum and pimenta fruits in value terms, representing 79.6% of total exports. The remaining 20.4% was spread across numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Jamaica

Imports in kind, t

Jamaica's imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported {value_last_year} tonnes, showing a substantial gain of 68.8% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by an impressive 1073.3%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 127.2%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, the United States remained the nearly exclusive supplier of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Jamaica, accounting for 96.4% of total imports in volume terms.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Jamaica's imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits increased in value for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 17.7 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a dramatic uptick of 82.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values increased by 393.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 70.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of Jamaica's capsicum and pimenta fruit imports was highly concentrated in value terms, with the United States alone accounting for 91.7% of total import flows.

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

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