Concentrated or sweetened milk and cream market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for concentrated or sweetened milk and cream in Central America showed considerable fluctuation between 2018 and 2023. It grew from 947 thousand tons in 2018 to a peak of 1 008.5 thousand tons in 2019, then contracted to 880.3 thousand tons in 2021. A rebound followed in 2022, lifting the market to 1 005.3 thousand tons, before another decline to 903.3 thousand tons in 2023.

Underlying these shifts were changes in trade and domestic output. Local production increased steadily over the period, rising from 633.6 thousand tons to 681.7 thousand tons. Import volumes, however, varied sharply, falling from 423.7 thousand tons in 2018 to a low of 235.1 thousand tons in 2021, which significantly impacted total market availability. A consistent decline in exports, from 110.3 thousand tons down to 33.8 thousand tons, partially offset the reduction in imports in later years.

Market dynamics in the region have been influenced by established trade patterns and evolving consumer habits. The United States remained the dominant import source, supplying a large share of concentrated and sweetened milk products. Consumer preference shifted toward practical, ambient-storage formats like Tetra Pak, which offer longer shelf life and convenience for baking. Leading brands such as Nestlé Carnation and La Lechera reinforced their presence through packaging innovation and adaptation to logistical and consumption trends.

Production concentrated or sweetened milk and cream in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream, 2017-2020

Production of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream in Central America has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, output reached 662.9 K t, marking a 3.0% rise compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 6.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.1%.

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

Exports concentrated or sweetened milk and cream from Central America

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, exports of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream from Central America totaled 59.5 K t, representing a 15.4% increase from 2019. However, between 2017 and 2020, overall exports declined by 26.9%, which translates to an annualized decrease of 9.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 51.6 K t, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 110.3 K t. The most significant drop was in 2019, falling by 53.3%, whereas the largest gain was in 2018, rising by 35.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top buyers of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream from Central America were Venezuela, accounting for 36.8% of exports in kind, the United States with 23.7%, and Cuba at 3.7%. Together, these three countries represented 64.3% of total exports in kind.

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

In 2020, the value of cross-border shipments of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream from Central America amounted to 186 M $ US, showing a strong increase of 13.2% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, however, export value decreased by 16.7%, with an average annual decline of 5.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 164 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 249 M $ US. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 34.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Venezuela led in value terms for exports of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream from Central America, holding 28.6% of the total, followed by the United States at 20.8% and Cuba at 4.4%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 53.9% of total export flows in value.

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 concentrated or sweetened milk and cream to Central America

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream into Central America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at approximately 361.4 K t, reflecting a significant decrease of 13.3% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 8.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 423.7 K t, with the largest increase also occurring that year, rising by 26.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated imports in kind of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream to Central America, capturing 83.8% of total flows. Other countries each held much smaller shares in comparison.

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

After rising for two years, imports of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream into Central America declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 1 007 M $ US, showing little change year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 26.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 1 011 M $ US, with the largest increase also in 2019, up by 12.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was the primary source for imports in value terms, accounting for 80.2% of total flows. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of minor partners.

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

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