Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Latin America and the Caribbean experienced significant fluctuations. The market volume declined from 3 707 thousand tons in 2018 to 2 441 thousand tons in 2021, with a brief stabilization around 2 950 thousand tons in 2020.

A strong recovery occurred in 2022 and 2023, with the market volume reaching 3 602 thousand tons by 2023. This growth was primarily driven by a nearly 12% increase in global capsicum demand since 2018, which incentivized regional production. The adoption of pre-cooling and modified atmosphere packaging technologies extended shelf life and improved fruit quality, supporting higher output volumes. Furthermore, the emergence of new product segments like pepper snacks created additional demand, while ongoing global trends toward nutritious foods and post-pandemic food inflation sustained consumer interest.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

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

In Latin America and the Caribbean, production of capsicum and pimenta fruits reached 3 781 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 1.4% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 11%, with an average annual decrease of 3.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 3 730 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 4 385 thousand tonnes. The most significant drop was observed in 2019 at 14.9%, whereas the largest gain was in 2018 at 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of capsicum and pimenta fruits output in Latin America and the Caribbean stood at 7 013 million US dollars in 2020, up 10.5% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value fell by 5%, averaging an annual decline of 1.7%. The minimum value was in 2019 at 6 349 million US dollars, and the maximum was in 2018 at 7 874 million US dollars. The sharpest decrease occurred in 2019, dropping by 19.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, K t

Capsicum and pimenta fruits exports from Latin America and the Caribbean have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region exported 838.2 thousand tonnes, which is 3.4% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 31.1%, translating to an average annual increase of 9.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, capsicum and pimenta fruits from Latin America and the Caribbean were shipped almost entirely to the United States, which accounted for 96.6% of total export volumes.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Export revenues for capsicum and pimenta fruits from Latin America and the Caribbean have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 1 555 million US dollars, showing a solid 12.6% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 39.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, the United States dominated as the primary buyer of capsicum and pimenta fruits from Latin America and the Caribbean, capturing 98.3% of total export value.

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

World map of product's exports from Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020

Imports capsicum and pimenta fruits to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of capsicum and pimenta fruits into Latin America and the Caribbean have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 6.2 thousand tonnes, reflecting a strong 11.1% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 24.5%, equating to an average annual increase of 7.6%. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 4.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 5.4%. The most significant increase was in 2019, up 18.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States led as the top supplier of capsicum and pimenta fruits to Latin America and the Caribbean, holding an 18.2% share of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, imports of capsicum and pimenta fruits into Latin America and the Caribbean declined. In 2020, imports were valued at 17 million US dollars, down 0.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 28.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.8%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 17 million US dollars, and the largest increase occurred that year at 15.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Over 2017-2020, the United States and the Netherlands were the leading sources for capsicum and pimenta fruit imports into Latin America and the Caribbean in value terms, together making up 63.1% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to Latin America and the Caribbean in value, 2017-2020