Citrus fruit market in Nicaragua

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for citrus fruit in Nicaragua experienced fluctuations between 2018 and 2022. After reaching 168.9 thousand tons in 2019, physical consumption dipped before stabilizing around 157–163 thousand tons through 2022. In value terms, the market size contracted from 2018's high of $29.3 million to approximately $24.5–26.4 million during this period, reflecting changing export values and domestic price dynamics.

A notable recovery occurred in 2023, with the domestic market volume expanding to 177.9 thousand tons valued at $33.6 million. This growth coincided with stable wholesale supply in Managua, where markets remained well-stocked with a variety of fruits, indicating sustained consumer preference for local seasonal produce. For 2024, government initiatives through the National System of Production, Consumption and Trade implemented programs to bolster national fruit production with a focus on sustainable development and inclusion of small producers, aiming to ensure sufficient supply for domestic demand.

Production citrus fruit in Nicaragua

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

World map of production of citrus fruit, 2017-2020

Nicaragua's citrus fruit production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 225.8 thousand tons of citrus fruit, representing a slight 0.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of decline, citrus fruit production in Nicaragua saw an increase in value. In 2020, the output was valued at 37 834 thousand US dollars, which is 16.2% higher than in the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 14.5%, with an average annual decline of 5.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 32 549 thousand US dollars, marking the largest decline of 23.9% that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Nicaragua in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports citrus fruit from Nicaragua

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Nicaragua's citrus fruit export volume reached 70 525 tons, showing a strong increase of 23.8% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 5.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 56 987 tons, while the highest was in 2018 at 72 920 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 21.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nicaragua's citrus fruit exports in kind were almost entirely concentrated in Costa Rica, which accounted for 100.0% of the total.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Nicaragua exported citrus fruit worth 11 817 thousand US dollars, reflecting a significant improvement of 42.7% over the past year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 12.6%, with an average annual decline of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 8 281 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 14 076 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 41.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner base for Nicaragua's citrus fruit exports in value terms was extremely narrow, with Costa Rica alone responsible for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports citrus fruit to Nicaragua

Imports in kind, t

Nicaragua's citrus fruit import volume has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports registered 1 858 tons, marking a reduction of 1.0% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 66.4%, with an average annual decline of 30.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Honduras and Costa Rica consistently accounted for 93.0% of Nicaragua's total citrus fruit imports in kind, indicating a high degree of concentration alongside a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of citrus fruit to Nicaragua have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 386 thousand US dollars, representing a moderate fall of 8.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 55.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 23.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Honduras (49.7% of imports in value terms), Costa Rica (12.7%), and Chile (10.5%) consistently remained the main sources for Nicaragua's citrus fruit imports in value terms, together accounting for 72.9% of total flows.

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

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