Cheese and curd market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The cheese and curd market in Central America experienced steady growth in physical volume from 680 thousand tons in 2018 to 749 thousand tons in 2019. This expansion was supported by stable consumer demand with frequent purchases and the active presence of artisanal producers, who distributed through informal and local market channels. Increased milk production in the region further bolstered supply.

Market volume dipped to 719 thousand tons in 2020 but recovered strongly to 799 thousand tons by 2021, indicating resilient consumption patterns. The subsequent period saw a significant surge, with volume reaching 896 thousand tons in 2022.

This sharp increase in 2022 was driven by rising production costs, including more expensive agricultural inputs and fertilizers, which pressured dairy farmers. Customs delays at key borders, particularly affecting Nicaragua, tightened supply and contributed to higher prices. In response, national price verification plans were implemented to monitor dairy costs and curb speculative intermediaries. By 2023, the market volume stabilized at 890 thousand tons, while its monetary value continued to climb, reaching 15.1 billion US dollars, reflecting sustained cost pressures.

Production cheese and curd in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

World map of production of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

Central America's cheese and curd production saw a decline after two years of growth. In 2019, production reached its peak at 637.5 thousand tons, but by 2020 it had fallen to 621.2 thousand tons, representing a 2.6% decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 8.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The most significant year-on-year increase occurred in 2019, when production rose by 9.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Central America's cheese and curd production value continued to grow for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 3 436 million US dollars, marking a 4.9% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 849 million US dollars, which saw a 17.6% decline. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase, with production value rising by 15.0%.

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

Exports cheese and curd from Central America

Exports in kind, K t

Cheese and curd exports from Central America increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 40.8 thousand tons, up 2.2% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 27.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Chile were the primary markets for Central America's cheese and curd exports in volume terms, together accounting for 16.4% of total exports.

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, M $ US

Cheese and curd exports from Central America increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value amounted to 225.9 million US dollars, showing a 10.0% improvement over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 17%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 188.9 million US dollars, which saw a 2.1% decline.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Chile remained the key destinations for Central America's cheese and curd exports in value terms, jointly representing 22.7% of total export 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 cheese and curd to Central America

Imports in kind, K t

Central America's cheese and curd imports declined in 2020, totaling 138.9 thousand tons, which was an 8.1% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 10.2%, with an average annual decline of 3.5%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 133.9 thousand tons, which saw a 13.5% drop. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase, with imports rising by 12.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, New Zealand, and the Netherlands were the main sources for Central America's cheese and curd imports in volume terms, together accounting for 62.6% of total import 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, M $ US

Cheese and curd imports into Central America increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were valued at 846.5 million US dollars, reflecting a 3.3% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 4.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 759.9 million US dollars, which saw a 6.1% decline. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase, with import value rising by 7.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, New Zealand, and the Netherlands were the principal sources for Central America's cheese and curd imports in value terms. The United States accounted for 65.5% of imports, New Zealand for 3.1%, and the Netherlands for 2.8%, together making up 71.5% of total import 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