Non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the Central American market for non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat expanded due to increased domestic consumption and improvements in production techniques. Local production rose, although the region remained partially reliant on imports during peak demand periods, with countries like Panama and Costa Rica seeing notable per capita consumption growth.

Market volume continued to grow through 2020 and 2021, reaching 139.4 thousand tons in 2021. A slight contraction to 135.8 thousand tons occurred in 2022, but overall the period saw sustained demand.

By 2023, the market had surged to 170.9 thousand tons, highlighting the sector's economic importance—employing around 86 000 people and contributing approximately 11.6% to the regional livestock GDP. However, reported deficiencies in biosecurity and product safety affected quality and competitiveness. Into 2024, consumer preferences shifted toward leaner cuts and value-added products like marinated meats, while inflation and higher operational costs pressured producers, spurring innovation in product differentiation and fat quality based on animal diet and sex.

Production non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2017-2020

Central America's production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 125.4 K t, marking a slight gain of 2.9% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 12.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%.

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

Exports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from Central America

Exports in kind, t

The market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their minimum in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 135-fold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign supplies of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from Central America amounted to 6 t, representing a decrease of 99.3% year-over-year. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 824 t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 517.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of exports in kind was centered on Japan, which accounted for 82.7% 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

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Exports bottomed in 2020 and peaked in 2019, differing by 120 times. In 2020, exported volumes of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from Central America reached 9 K $ US, showing a contraction of 99.2% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 033 K $ US, and the largest increase was in 2018, with a rise of 329.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Japan played a central role in exports in value terms, accounting for 80.9% 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 non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Central America

Imports in kind, t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their trough in 2018 and peaked in 2017, showing a 14.3-fold variation. In 2020, cross-border shipments of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Central America stood at 3 797 t, up by 38.7% over the past year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 485 t, and the largest decline occurred in 2018, with a drop of 93.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Canada and the United States formed the core markets for imports in kind of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Central America, with a combined share of 99.0% of total flows.

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

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. A 6.5-fold variation was recorded between the minimum in 2018 and the maximum in 2017. In 2020, foreign supplies of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Central America totalled 7 863 K $ US, amounting to an abrupt increase of 27.9% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 5 277 K $ US, and the largest decline was in 2018, with a decrease of 84.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and the United States made up the core of imports in value terms of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Central America, together accounting for 98.9% 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