Dried shelled beans market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The dried shelled beans market in Central America displayed notable volatility between 2018 and 2023. A significant contraction to 1 602 thousand tons in 2019 coincided with stable but moderately priced imported supply, primarily from Nicaragua. The market rebounded strongly over the next two years, reaching 2 075 thousand tons in 2021. This growth was supported by a period of high import volumes from Nicaragua, which increased supply and exerted downward pressure on domestic prices.

Subsequent years saw the market volume retreat to 1 567 thousand tons by 2023. During this phase, import dependency remained a structural feature, with moderate shipments maintaining supply. Climatic factors also played a role, as drought conditions in Guatemala contributed to price increases for black beans in 2023, highlighting production vulnerabilities. Concurrently, public institutions like CENTA actively promoted product innovation, releasing over 20 new red bean and 8 black bean varieties adapted to demand and drought conditions, such as the CENTA Sequía line.

In 2024, the market continued to rely on imports, with a steady moderated supply from the United States. Government measures aimed at consumer accessibility included official price subsidies in Salvadoran Agro-Markets and a regulatory decision in Guatemala to authorize zero-tariff imports of 15 000 tons of black beans to address shortages. Furthermore, the Basic Grains Program announced the pending release of new CENTA Sequía bean lines, focused on tolerance to limited moisture and pests.

Production dried shelled beans in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

World map of production of dried shelled beans, 2017-2020

In 2020, Central America produced 1,633 thousand tonnes of dried shelled beans, marking a 10.7% increase from the previous year. However, looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually declined by 12.7%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 4.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1,476 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 1,894 thousand tonnes. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, when production fell by 22.1%.

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

Exports dried shelled beans from Central America

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for dried shelled beans in Central America exhibited notable volatility during the observed period. In 2020, exports reached 140.6 thousand tonnes, a substantial 164.5% increase compared to the previous year. The lowest point was in 2019, with exports at 53.1 thousand tonnes, representing a 57.4% decline. Overall, exports fluctuated significantly, with a 2.6-fold difference between the peak in 2020 and the trough in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of dried shelled beans from Central America were distributed across numerous countries. The top three destinations—the United States (29.7% of exports), Venezuela (11.0%), and Colombia (3.2%)—collectively accounted for 44.0% of total export volumes, indicating a relatively diversified market.

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

After a two-year decline, exports of dried shelled beans from Central America rebounded in 2020. The total export value reached 172.2 million US dollars, reflecting a sharp 47.1% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 8%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 117.0 million US dollars, when exports fell by 17.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the value of dried shelled bean exports from Central America was spread across many countries. The United States (32.5% of export value), Venezuela (11.2%), and Colombia (3.0%) together represented 46.7% of total export flows, highlighting a broad distribution among trading partners.

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 shelled beans to Central America

Imports in kind, K t

Following a two-year contraction, imports of dried shelled beans into Central America increased in 2020. The import volume amounted to 237.0 thousand tonnes, up 31.9% from the previous year. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 179.7 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 17.8% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (54.6% of import volume), Argentina (5.7%), and Canada (4.8%) consistently served as the primary sources for dried shelled bean imports into Central America. Together, these three countries accounted for 65.1% of total import flows.

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 a two-year contraction, imports of dried shelled beans into Central America rose in 2020. The total import value reached 283.5 million US dollars, a 42.3% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 14%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 199.2 million US dollars, when imports declined by 18.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, Canada, and Argentina remained the dominant markets for dried shelled bean imports into Central America in value terms. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 65.9% of total import flows.

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

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