Not roasted and not cooked groundnuts market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The market for not roasted and not cooked groundnuts in Central America experienced notable shifts between 2018 and 2023, with volume declining to 289 thousand tons in 2019 before climbing to a peak of 426 thousand tons in 2023. Early in the period, stable international peanut prices and favorable climatic conditions supported market activity, while positive expectations around a trade agreement between the United States and Central America facilitated regional trade.

Regulatory actions in Argentina, a major global supplier, influenced supply dynamics from 2020 onward. The country's implementation of export quota systems and quality assurance protocols for peanut products helped stabilize flows. At the same time, a worldwide trend toward healthier eating boosted demand for natural and protein-rich foods, increasing peanut consumption. This was reinforced by product innovations, such as new peanut butter formats, and sustained by continued favorable weather patterns.

A surge in imports propelled market volume by nearly 25% in 2023, coinciding with record peanut production in Argentina, which expanded its sown area and benefited from high international prices. Furthermore, shifting consumer preferences toward clean-label and high-protein products further stimulated demand, cementing peanuts' role in health-conscious diets across Central America.

Production not roasted and not cooked groundnuts in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of not roasted and not cooked groundnuts, 2017-2020

World map of production of not roasted and not cooked groundnuts, 2017-2020

Central America's production of not roasted and not cooked groundnuts increased in 2020, following two years of decline. The region produced 295.5 K t that year, marking a strong 19.7% year-over-year growth. However, over the broader 2017-2020 period, production fell by 5.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.9%. The lowest output was recorded in 2019 at 246.8 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 16.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of not roasted and not cooked groundnuts production in Central America rose after two years of reduction. Output was valued at 391.2 M $ US, showing a strong 19.0% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 10%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.4%. The minimum value occurred in 2019 at 328.8 M $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 17.3%.

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

Exports not roasted and not cooked groundnuts from Central America

Exports in kind, K t

Exports of not roasted and not cooked groundnuts from Central America declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 67.7 K t, a 9.4% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 22.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the buyer portfolio for not roasted and not cooked groundnuts from Central America was diverse. The United Kingdom accounted for 30.3% of exports in kind, the United States for 6.6%, and the Netherlands for 4.9%, together contributing 41.8% of total exports. Many other countries held smaller but notable 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, M $ US

The value of not roasted and not cooked groundnuts exports from Central America declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, registering 89.7 M $ US, a moderate 9.9% reduction year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 25.7%, with an annualized rate of 9.4%.

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

During 2017-2020, the buyer portfolio for not roasted and not cooked groundnuts from Central America in value terms was broad. The United Kingdom represented 33.8% of exports, the United States 7.4%, and the Netherlands 5.9%, collectively accounting for 47.1% of total exports. Numerous other countries held smaller but significant shares.

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 not roasted and not cooked groundnuts to Central America

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of not roasted and not cooked groundnuts into Central America declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 108.7 K t, a 7.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 4.4%, with an annualized rate of 1.5%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 118.3 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 4.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated the partner structure for imports in kind, holding a 72.9% share of total flows. Other markets had relatively modest 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, M $ US

In 2020, the value of not roasted and not cooked groundnuts imports into Central America totaled 163.4 M $ US, a 5.4% year-over-year decline. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 172.7 M $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 1.3%.

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

Over 2017-2020, the United States consistently accounted for 74.5% of total imports in value terms, indicating a high concentration on this market. The remainder was distributed among other countries.

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

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