Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits market in Central America, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Central America grew from 12 388 tons in 2018 to 18 678 tons in 2023, with a sharp 33% surge in 2023 alone. This jump was primarily driven by a doubling of imports to 9 572 tons, facilitated by updated trade regulations and agreements from the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX), which improved market access and expanded domestic supply.

Domestic production increased steadily from 15 371 tons to 17 916 tons over the period, supported by regulatory efforts focused on quality and data. The Grain and Seed Research Center (Cigras) of the University of Costa Rica implemented seed quality verification in 2018, boosting consumer confidence. Subsequently, the National Seed Office (ONS) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) provided consistent monitoring and reporting, helping stabilize the market during minor fluctuations like the slight dip in 2020.

In 2024, regulatory projects by ONS and Fundecooperación continued to strengthen seed production capabilities through adaptive agriculture. Trade policies remained favorable, with COMEX maintaining updated tariff definitions and agreements, including the strategic relationship with China that opened export channels. Import volumes reached 13 365 tons in 2024, indicating sustained market activity.

Production oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, 2017-2020

Central America's production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 15 613 tonnes, showing no significant change from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Central America was valued at 44 020 thousand US dollars, remaining broadly stable compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 2.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 0.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 48 428 thousand US dollars, which saw a 12.4% increase. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest decline of 9.4%.

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

Exports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Central America

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Central America exported 5 267 tonnes of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, marking a 17.6% drop from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. The peak was in 2019 at 6 393 tonnes, which saw an 11.5% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Germany, and China formed the core group of markets for exports in kind. The United States accounted for 40.4% of exports, Germany for 7.8%, and China for 4.8%, together representing 53.0% 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

Foreign supplies of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Central America declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 14 850 thousand US dollars, indicating a robust reduction of 17.7% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 17.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 18 065 thousand US dollars, which saw a 0.1% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Germany, and China continued to lead as the top buyers of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Central America in value terms. The United States accounted for 67.5% of exports, Germany for 12.3%, and China for 8.1%, jointly taking 88.0% of total exports.

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 oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to Central America

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Central America imported 2 089 tonnes of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, which is 39.3% less than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 58.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 25.2%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 44.9%, while 2019 saw the largest increase of 25.2%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to Central America were not heavily concentrated. Bulgaria accounted for 11.8% of imports, China for 10.1%, and Canada for 3.4%, together capturing only 25.3% 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

Central America's volume of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits imports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 5 602 thousand US dollars, constituting a small drop of 1.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 53.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 22.5%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Bulgaria, China, and Canada remained the key directions for imports in value terms. Bulgaria accounted for 30.3% of imports, China for 24.6%, and Canada for 8.9%, together taking 63.8% 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