Mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, mandarin production in Central America experienced notable fluctuations. After a slight dip to 499.8 thousand tons in 2019, output surged to 547.5 thousand tons in 2020, then contracted sharply to 475.4 thousand tons in 2021. The following two years saw a recovery, with production reaching 537.1 thousand tons in 2022 and 541.3 thousand tons in 2023. Correspondingly, the total market volume followed a similar pattern, peaking at 563.5 thousand tons in 2020 before dropping to 486.8 thousand tons in 2021 and rebounding to 562.5 thousand tons by 2023.

Global adverse weather events and rising agricultural input costs, reported in 2022, posed challenges to citrus production worldwide. However, Central American output increased that year, possibly aided by local conditions or adaptive practices. Concurrently, the expansion of new mandarin varieties, including club varieties with improved flavor and longer shelf life, has been a key trend in major producing regions, potentially supporting market stability and consumer interest in Central America.

Trade flows also shifted during this period. Imports rose from 9.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 24.9 thousand tons in 2023, with a significant jump to 48.3 thousand tons in 2024. Exports remained relatively low, fluctuating between 0.4 and 3.8 thousand tons. This growing import volume contributed to the overall market supply, reflecting sustained domestic demand.

Production mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids, 2017-2020

World map of production of mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids, 2017-2020

In Central America, production of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids reached 547.5 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 9.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 499.8 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline occurring that same year at 2.9%.

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

Exports mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids from Central America

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports peaked in 2019 and fell to their lowest point in 2017, with a 20-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Central America exported 369 tonnes of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids, which is 89.8% lower than in 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 3 634 tonnes, with the largest increase also occurring that year at 840.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary destination for exports in kind of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids from Central America, accounting for 31.9% of total 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, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values reached their maximum in 2018 and dropped to a minimum in 2020, showing a 6.1-fold shift. In 2020, the value of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids exported from Central America stood at 387 thousand US dollars, which is 81.6% lower than the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 367 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase also in 2018 at 1.3%.

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

During 2017–2020, the United States played a central role in exports in value terms, accounting for 75.1% of total 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 mandarins, clementines, tangelos and citrus hybrids to Central America

Imports in kind, t

Cross-border shipments of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids to Central America increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 16 354 tonnes, reflecting a dramatic increase of 29.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 73.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States and Peru clearly dominated imports in kind of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids to Central America, jointly accounting for 80.1% of total flows, while other countries held much smaller shares.

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

Central America's import volume of mandarins, clementines, tangelos, and citrus hybrids increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 15 696 thousand US dollars, up by 21.0% from the previous year. Over the period 2017-2020, imports increased by 72.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.0%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Peru and the United States concentrated 82.0% of total imports in value terms, while the remaining share was distributed among other destinations with smaller individual contributions.

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

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