Dried shelled legumes market in El Salvador

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for dried shelled legumes in El Salvador fluctuated between 211.2 thousand tonnes and 234.9 thousand tonnes from 2018 to 2023. After a rise to 227.9 thousand tonnes in 2019, it dipped to 215.4 thousand tonnes in 2020 before recovering to a peak of 234.9 thousand tonnes in 2021. This recovery coincided with the country's strong trade integration within Central America, where Guatemala served as the leading partner accounting for 36% of El Salvador's exports and imports, facilitating the flow of agricultural goods including legumes.

The market volume declined to 214.2 thousand tonnes in 2022 as political tensions and blockades in Guatemala from October disrupted the cross-border supply of vegetables and legumes, creating shortages. That same year, the government temporarily eliminated import duties on 20 basic food items, including legumes, for one year to improve access, though logistical constraints limited the immediate impact. By 2023, the market rebounded to 233.4 thousand tonnes, supported by increased imports and the ongoing operation of government-promoted Agro Mercados, which aimed to connect producers directly with consumers across 55 national locations to offer fair prices.

Looking ahead, the market continues to be shaped by a high reliance on imports from Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua to meet domestic demand. Adverse weather patterns, including El Niño-induced droughts, have pressured local grain production cycles, while the state's Agro Mercados initiative remains a key policy tool to influence supply and affordability of basic foods like legumes.

Production dried shelled legumes in El Salvador

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2018-2021

World map of production of dried shelled legumes, 2018-2021

In 2021, El Salvador produced 209.3 thousand tons of dried shelled legumes, marking a significant year-over-year increase of 22.3%. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 12.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2020 at 171.1 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 14.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

El Salvador's dried shelled legumes production value increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 310.1 million US dollars, up by 15.6% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, production value rose by 25%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports dried shelled legumes from El Salvador

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, El Salvador's exports of dried shelled legumes declined in volume. In 2021, the country exported 663 tons, which is 25.5% less than the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 10.9%, with an average annual decline of 3.8%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 890 tons, following the largest increase of 10.1% in 2019.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the geographical distribution of exports in volume terms showed a strong reliance on the United States, which accounted for 90.8% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of increase, El Salvador's dried shelled legumes exports declined in value. In 2021, exports totaled 983 thousand US dollars, representing a contraction of 29.6% compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 1 395 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 27.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the United States remained the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for El Salvador's dried shelled legumes exports in value terms, holding a share of 92.2%.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to El Salvador

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, El Salvador's imports of dried shelled legumes declined in volume. In 2021, the country imported 26 241 tons, down by 42.0% year-over-year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 45 211 tons, which also experienced the largest increase of 62.7%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Nicaragua played a leading role in El Salvador's imports of dried shelled legumes in volume terms, accounting for 71.1% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values reached their minimum in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.1-fold difference between these years. In 2021, El Salvador's imports of dried shelled legumes amounted to 27 489 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep drop of 45.3% compared to 2020. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at 50 260 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 93.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Nicaragua concentrated most of El Salvador's imports of dried shelled legumes in value terms, taking 77.1% of total flows, with a fragmented tail of other markets.

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

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