Cocoa beans market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, the cocoa beans market volume in Mexico expanded from 65 195 t to 74 265 t, primarily fueled by rising imports as domestic production struggled with low technological levels, phytosanitary issues, and limited access to credit. The market volume then contracted sharply to 49 579 t in 2020, coinciding with global supply chain disruptions, although domestic production saw a boost from growing demand for organic cocoa.

Market volume stabilized at 47 366 t in 2021, underpinned by increased demand from the dairy, bakery, and pharmaceutical industries. A recovery to 54 432 t followed in 2022, supported by quality improvement initiatives like Hershey’s project in Chiapas and rising consumer preference for chocolate with higher cocoa content. However, inflation and higher input costs contributed to a decline to 47 173 t in 2023.

In 2024, new front-of-package labeling regulations and a sustained market shift toward organic and sustainably certified cocoa products continued to influence producer and consumer behavior.

Production cocoa beans in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico ranked 14th globally in cocoa bean production.

Top producers of cocoa beans, 2018-2021

World map of production of cocoa beans, 2018-2021

After two years of growth, Mexico's cocoa bean production volume declined. In 2021, Mexico produced 28 106 tonnes of cocoa beans, marking a 4.5% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2020 at 29 429 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 3.4% during this period.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports cocoa beans from Mexico

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant fluctuations over the period. Exports peaked in 2020 at 324 tonnes and dropped to their lowest point in 2021 at 56 tonnes, representing a 5.8-fold difference. In 2021, Mexico's cocoa bean exports fell sharply by 82.7% year-over-year. The largest increase occurred in 2020, reaching 34.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, t

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States (35.3% of exports in kind), France (34.0%), and Switzerland (14.3%) formed the primary market cluster for Mexico's cocoa bean exports, collectively accounting for 83.6% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

The market experienced notable fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their highest value in 2020 at 0.9 million US dollars and their lowest in 2021 at 0.2 million US dollars, showing a 4.3-fold difference. In 2021, Mexico's cocoa bean exports in value terms dropped dramatically by 76.6% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2020 at 44.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States (36.9% of exports in value terms), France (33.0%), and Switzerland (14.3%) constituted the main destination markets for Mexico's cocoa bean exports by value, together representing 84.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021

Imports cocoa beans to Mexico

Imports in kind, t

Mexico's cocoa bean imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 19 316 tonnes, reflecting a moderate 5.7% decrease year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 48%, with a compound annual growth rate of -19.6%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 46 054 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 24.1%. The most significant decline occurred in 2020 at 55.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, t

During 2018-2021, Ecuador (65.8% of imports in kind), Côte d'Ivoire (14.1%), and the Dominican Republic (7.9%) accounted for the largest share of Mexico's cocoa bean imports by volume, together comprising 87.9% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Mexico's cocoa bean imports decreased for the second year in a row. In 2021, Mexico imported 49.7 million US dollars worth of cocoa beans, representing a 9.7% decline compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 47%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -19.1%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 114.3 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 21.9%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2020 at 51.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, three principal markets—Ecuador, Côte d'Ivoire, and the Dominican Republic—collectively accounted for 88.0% of Mexico's total cocoa bean imports by value.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021