Cereal germ market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The market for whole, rolled, flaked or ground cereal germ in Central America grew consistently from 2018 to 2023, with volume expanding from 569.4 thousand tonnes to 646.4 thousand tonnes. This increase was entirely supported by rising domestic production, as import and export levels were minimal throughout the period. The strongest growth occurred in 2019, after which the market continued to expand at a more gradual pace.

By 2024, Mexico emerged as a significant regional exporter of cereal germ, with notable shipments to the United States and Central American partners like El Salvador. Production and export activity were concentrated in Mexican states including Jalisco and Nuevo León. The Central American market itself saw no major regulatory changes, shifts in consumer preferences, or disruptions to production facilities during this time.

Production cereal germ in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cereal germ, 2017-2020

World map of production of cereal germ, 2017-2020

Cereal germ production in Central America increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 616.5 thousand tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 11.3%, which equates to an annualized rate of 3.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the output of cereal germ in Central America was valued at 550.5 million US dollars, representing a significant drop of 22.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 17%, equating to an annualized rate of 6.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 535.0 million US dollars, while the maximum value was in 2019 at 708.7 million US dollars. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a rise of 32.5%.

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

Exports cereal germ from Central America

Exports in kind, t

Central America's cereal germ export volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 11.7 tonnes, which is 45.3% lower than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 54.4%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -23.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 39.1 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring that year at 51.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and the Dominican Republic together accounted for the main share of exports in kind, representing 5.0% of total flows.

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

Exported cereal germ volumes from Central America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports registered 10.5 thousand US dollars, down by 57.6% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 66%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -30.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 36.8 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase occurring that year at 19.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (4.1% of exports in value terms), the Dominican Republic (0.9% of exports in value terms), and Chile (0.6% of exports in value terms) were the largest buyers of cereal germ from Central America, together forming 5.6% of total exports in value terms.

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 cereal germ to Central America

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with an 11-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imported cereal germ volumes in Central America totalled 45.0 tonnes, down by 67.2% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 378.6 tonnes, with the largest increase occurring that year at 997.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (58.7% of imports in kind), China (4.0% of imports in kind), and Malaysia (1.5% of imports in kind) remained the leading destinations in the country structure of imports in kind, with a combined share of 64.2% of total flows.

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

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 5.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, cereal germ imports in Central America came to 32.6 thousand US dollars, down by 56.5% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 192.3 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 61.0%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 307.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (59.0% of imports in value terms), China (3.0% of imports in value terms), and Turkey (2.5% of imports in value terms) stood out as the main markets for imports in value terms, together representing 64.4% 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