Frozen preserved vegetables market in El Salvador

Earlier Report Observations

The frozen preserved vegetables market in El Salvador was heavily import-dependent in 2018, with domestic production covering only 46% of internal demand and limited arable land constraining local output. Market volume grew to 12 970 tons in 2019, then fell to 10 580 tons in 2020.

A sharp recovery followed in 2021, with the market reaching 15 726 tons. Growth continued in 2022, supported by the expansion of e-commerce which improved product access, and advances in individual quick freezing (IQF) and cryogenic freezing technologies that enhanced quality and shelf life.

The market stabilized at around 15 948 tons in 2023. During this period, regulatory activity increased, including a new sanitary registration rule for imported foods in 2022 and the introduction of Good Agricultural Practices standards for vegetables in 2023, strengthening the oversight of frozen produce.

Production frozen preserved vegetables in El Salvador

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of frozen preserved vegetables, 2018-2021

World map of production of frozen preserved vegetables, 2018-2021

El Salvador's production of frozen preserved vegetables grew for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 508.0 t, marking a 4.4% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production rose by 12%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 453.5 t. That year also saw the smallest decline of 0.1%, while the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 7.3% rise.

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

Exports frozen preserved vegetables from El Salvador

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 3.9-fold difference between these years. In 2021, El Salvador's exports of frozen preserved vegetables totaled 33 t, showing a sharp year-over-year decline of 64.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 93 t, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 143.4% surge.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the export structure in kind was dominated by Guatemala and the United States, which together accounted for 92.4% of total flows. Other markets contributed to a long tail of smaller shares.

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

Market behavior was characterized by volatility over these years. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 4.2-fold gap between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020. In 2021, El Salvador's exports of frozen preserved vegetables amounted to 64 K $ US, representing a 53.4% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at 138 K $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 220.0% jump.

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

During 2018–2021, Guatemala and the United States were the primary buyers of frozen preserved vegetables from El Salvador in value terms, together capturing 92.8% of total exports. Other partners accounted for the remaining, less significant portion.

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 frozen preserved vegetables to El Salvador

Imports in kind, t

In 2021, El Salvador's imports of frozen preserved vegetables stood at 15 251 t, up by 49.7% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 38.8%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 11.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 10 187 t, which also saw the largest decline of 19.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the United States was the dominant supplier of frozen preserved vegetables to El Salvador in kind, accounting for 84.4% of total imports. Other countries shared the remaining volume.

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

In 2021, El Salvador's imports of frozen preserved vegetables reached 20 374 K $ US, reflecting a 54.7% increase compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports grew by 45.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 13.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 13 170 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 20.4%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the United States remained the main source for imports in value terms, holding an 86.8% share of total flows. The rest of the volume was distributed across various other destinations.

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

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