Dried grapes market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The dried grapes market in Central America expanded to 30 563 t in 2019, driven by growth in international agricultural trade and a shift in consumer preferences towards healthy snacks like raisins. This upward trend reversed in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains and dampened demand, reducing the market volume to 29 041 t. The contraction continued into 2021, with the market falling to 27 307 t, exacerbated by severe global logistical bottlenecks, including port congestion and soaring fertilizer prices, which raised costs and constrained availability.

Market volume stabilized at 27 308 t in 2022 amid persistent global inflationary pressures and geopolitical tensions from the Russia-Ukraine war, which increased logistics and input costs. A recovery to 30 036 t occurred in 2023, supported by sustained consumer demand for certified and healthy food products, alongside the sector's adaptation to high-cost conditions.

Production dried grapes in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of dried grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried grapes, 2017-2020

Dried grape production in Central America has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Central America produced 16,840 tonnes of dried grapes, representing a slight year-over-year advance of 2.5%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 49%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After a two-year uptick, Central America's dried grape production value declined. In 2020, the output of dried grapes was valued at 38,531 thousand US dollars in Central America, marking a fall of 2.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 86.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 23.1%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 39,602 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 40.4%.

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

Exports dried grapes from Central America

Exports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of dried grapes from Central America declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were recorded at 659 tonnes, showing a controlled decline of 4.0% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 47.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 19.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, two main destinations—the United States and Cuba—together accounted for 75.3% of total dried grape exports in kind from Central America.

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, K $ US

Foreign dried grape supplies from Central America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1,508 thousand US dollars, marking a measured drop of 8.8% compared with 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 34.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 2,496 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline occurring in 2019 at 33.7% and the largest increase in 2018 at 7.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the country structure of exports in value terms was largely shaped by the United States and Cuba, which together accounted for 72.2% of total 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 dried grapes to Central America

Imports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of dried grapes to Central America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Central America imported 12,860 tonnes of dried grapes, which is 13.2% lower compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 5.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2018 at 15,511 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 26.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Chile formed a dominant pair of markets for imports in kind, jointly accounting for 88.7% of total flows, with other countries representing the residual share.

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, K $ US

Central America's dried grape import value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports came to 27,999 thousand US dollars, representing a robust decline of 20.0% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 9.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 36,235 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 42.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Chile continued to lead the list of markets for imports in value terms, together accounting for 91.2% of total flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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