Cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste market in Latin America and the Caribbean

Earlier Report Observations

Regional cooperation to develop technologies and state regulations began strengthening institutional capabilities for cocoa in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2018, supporting market growth for cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste. The market volume expanded to 117.8 thousand tons in 2019 before declining to 103.1 thousand tons in 2020.

Recovery followed in 2021 as the market reached 114.3 thousand tons, coinciding with increased international sales of cocoa waste where Mexico showed strong export participation. Although the market dipped slightly to 110.4 thousand tons in 2022, the region consolidated its role as a relevant global producer of cocoa waste. By 2023, the market stabilized at 111.3 thousand tons.

By 2024, record global cocoa prices exceeding 10,000 USD per ton—driven by supply constraints, adverse weather, and crop diseases—prompted Latin American producers to accelerate cocoa planting. This, alongside a growing focus on sustainability and waste valorization including bioplastics from cocoa shells, supported trade flows, with imports of cocoa waste reaching 6.5 thousand tons and exports rising to 2.1 thousand tons.

Production cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste in Latin America and the Caribbean

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste, 2017-2020

World map of production of cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste, 2017-2020

After two years of growth, cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste production in Latin America and the Caribbean declined. In 2019, production reached its peak at 115.9 thousand tonnes, marking a 5.9% increase. However, by 2020, output fell to 99.0 thousand tonnes, a significant drop of 14.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 6.1%, with an average annual decline of 2.1%.

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

Exports cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste from Latin America and the Caribbean

Exports in kind, t

Cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste exports from Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, exports peaked at 1 351 tonnes, showing a 52.2% increase. By 2020, exports had dropped to 438 tonnes, a sharp decline of 62.6% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, total exports fell by 50.6%, with an average annual decrease of 21.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the export market for cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste from Latin America and the Caribbean was diverse. Spain accounted for 12.6% of exports in volume, the Netherlands for 12.0%, and Belgium for 5.9%, together making up 30.5% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares, contributing to a broad buyer portfolio.

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, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste from Latin America and the Caribbean declined for the second consecutive year. In 2018, exports reached their highest value at 1 401 thousand US dollars, with a 47.1% increase. By 2020, exports had fallen to 805 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 39.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 15.5%, with an average annual decline of 5.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export market in value terms was widely distributed. The Netherlands contributed 24.3% of export value, Spain 13.5%, and the United States 7.3%, together accounting for 45.1% of total flows. The remaining 54.9% was shared among numerous other countries, indicating a broad market base.

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 cocoa shells, husks, skins and waste to Latin America and the Caribbean

Imports in kind, t

Imports of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste into Latin America and the Caribbean increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports rose to 4 534 tonnes, a 44.3% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 209.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 45.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main sources for imports in volume were Ghana, accounting for 60.0% of imports, Indonesia with 7.5%, and Turkey with 3.2%. Together, these three countries made up 70.7% 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, K $ US

Imports of cocoa shells, husks, skins, and waste into Latin America and the Caribbean increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 232 thousand US dollars, showing a robust uptick of 11.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 87.5%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 23.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the principal sources for imports in value terms were Ghana, contributing 47.7% of import value, Indonesia with 4.7%, and Turkey with 2.6%. Together, these countries accounted for 55.1% 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