Linseed oil-cake market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

Central American linseed oil-cake production rose from 1 636 t in 2018 to 2 880 t in 2023, with a peak of 3 072 t in 2021. The market expanded significantly between 2020 and 2021, then contracted modestly in 2022 before a slight recovery in 2023.

The strong growth in 2020-2021 was largely driven by increasing health consciousness and demand for omega-3 fatty acids, which raised linseed processing and boosted oil-cake output. The dip in 2022 coincided with falling sunflower oil exports from Ukraine, a major global supplier, which disrupted regional oil availability and affected solid residue production.

Production stabilized in 2023 as the market adjusted to the supply shock. Technological advances in extraction and growing demand from emerging economies continued to support the sector, while active regional trade flows maintained market activity.

Production linseed oil-cake in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of linseed oil-cake, 2017-2020

World map of production of linseed oil-cake, 2017-2020

In 2019, Central America produced 1,593 tonnes of linseed oil-cake, marking the lowest output during the period. However, production rebounded sharply in 2020, reaching 2,093 tonnes—a significant 31.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 timeframe, production grew by 30.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 9.3%. The most notable decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 2.6%.

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

Exports linseed oil-cake from Central America

Exports in kind, kg

The market for linseed oil-cake exports from Central America experienced considerable fluctuations. In 2018, export volumes hit their lowest point, while 2017 saw the highest levels—with a dramatic 21-fold difference between these two years. By 2020, exports had dropped to just 315 kilograms, representing a steep 95.2% decline from 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central America in kind, 2017-2020, kg

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States was the leading destination for Central America's linseed oil-cake exports in volume terms, accounting for 1.7% of the total export flows.

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, $ US

The export value data shows irregular patterns, reflecting a volatile market environment. Volumes reached their peak in 2017 and then fell to the lowest point in 2018, with the highest value being 11.5 times greater than the lowest. In 2020, the value of linseed oil-cake exports from Central America amounted to 186 US dollars, down by 91.3% from the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States played the dominant role in Central America's linseed oil-cake exports by value, capturing 6.1% of the total export 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 linseed oil-cake to Central America

Imports in kind, kg

Import volumes for linseed oil-cake in Central America displayed significant volatility. In 2019, imports bottomed out at 36 kilograms, while 2018 saw the peak at 2,174 kilograms—a staggering 60-fold difference between these years. By 2020, imports had surged to 297 kilograms, marking a substantial 726.0% increase compared to 2019. The most pronounced decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 98.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central America in kind, 2017-2020, kg

During the 2017-2020 period, Germany, the United States, and China were the primary suppliers of linseed oil-cake to Central America in volume terms. Germany led with 36.7% of imports, followed by the United States at 19.7%, and China at 1.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for 57.8% of total import volumes.

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, $ US

The import value data reveals considerable market instability. In 2019, the value hit a low of 37 US dollars, contrasting sharply with the 2018 peak of 6,858 US dollars—a difference of 185 times. By 2020, imports had climbed to an unspecified value, showing a remarkable 783.4% improvement over 2019. The most significant decline was in 2019, with a 99.5% drop, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, surging by 1,124.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and the United States remained the key suppliers of linseed oil-cake to Central America in value terms, jointly holding 89.6% of total imports. The remaining share was distributed among various other countries, indicating a fragmented market for other suppliers.

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

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