Figs market in Central America, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The figs market in Central America expanded from 7 243 tons in 2018 to 11 070 tons in 2020, driven by growing consumer interest in figs due to their high nutritional value and favorable climatic conditions for cultivation in the region, particularly in Mexico.

After reaching a peak in 2020, the market volume contracted slightly to 10 297 tons in 2021, influenced by fluctuations in import and export prices as well as high tax rates that limited growth. By 2023, production in Mexico rose to 12 489 tons, and the market recovered to 10 917 tons, supported by sustained demand from the United States and European markets.

In 2024, fig consumption in Central America continued to show selective growth in resilient markets like Panama and Costa Rica, with trends toward health-oriented products, reinforcing the role of wellness preferences in driving market dynamics.

Production figs in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of figs, 2017-2020

World map of production of figs, 2017-2020

Central America's fig production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 12 010 tonnes of figs, marking a sharp rise of 26.9% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 47.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 13.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 7 705 tonnes, with the largest decline of 5.6% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Central America's fig production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output of figs was valued at 53 050 thousand US dollars, reflecting a rise of 29.6% over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production increased by 46.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 13.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 34 207 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 5.5% also observed that year.

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

Exports figs from Central America

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, the volume of figs exported from Central America declined. In 2020, exports were recorded at 1 359 tonnes, down by 8.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 22%, which corresponds to an annualized growth rate of 6.9%. The peak export volume was reached in 2019 at 1 488 tonnes, with the largest increase of 16.9% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Canada were the dominant buyers of figs from Central America, together accounting for 89.4% of total exports in volume. Other destinations each held relatively small shares.

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

After two years of increase, the value of fig exports from Central America declined. In 2020, exports stood at 6 003 thousand US dollars, down by 6.7% versus the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 21.6%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 6 433 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase of 17.2% occurring in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Canada remained the main buyers of figs from Central America, with a combined share of 90.1% of total exports in value terms. The remainder was fragmented across other countries.

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 figs to Central America

Imports in kind, t

After two years of reduction, the volume of figs imported into Central America increased. In 2020, imports totalled 420 tonnes, representing a strong rise of 22.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 70.9%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 33.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 342 tonnes, with the largest decline of 59.3% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the almost exclusive supplier of figs to Central America, accounting for 93.2% of total imports in volume.

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

After two years of drop, the value of fig imports into Central America increased. In 2020, imports amounted to 2 132 thousand US dollars, indicating a rise of 22.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 66.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -30.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 739 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 61.4% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States concentrated almost all imports in value terms of figs to Central America, with a share of 93.2% of total 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