Oranges market in Central America, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Central America's orange market was shaped by domestic production challenges and an initial external shock. Improved harvests in key areas like Honduras in 2018 were offset by persistent drought and disease, which culminated in a significant output drop in 2019 due to harsh summer weather, plant illnesses, and aging orchards. This supply contraction tripled local prices. The following year, the COVID-19 pandemic introduced volatility into international fruit trade and European demand, contributing to a period of market stabilization in 2020.

The market contracted again in 2021, pressured by the lingering effects of the pandemic and new inflationary pressures from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which disrupted global agricultural commodity flows. A turnaround began in 2022. Despite ongoing climate and pest issues within the region, rising demand and the strategic import of orange juice to cover domestic shortfalls supported market volume, leading to recovery. This growth continued into 2023, aided by wholesale and retail market stability and discussions in Costa Rica about including oranges in the basic food basket to formalize and support consumption.

Production oranges in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of oranges, 2017-2020

World map of production of oranges, 2017-2020

In 2020, Central America produced 5 621 K t of oranges, with production remaining broadly stable compared to the previous year. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5 719 K t, representing a 2.2% increase from the prior year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 1.8%.

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

Exports oranges from Central America

Exports in kind, t

Central America's orange export volume declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 40 767 t. This marked a 16.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 35.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -13.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, France, and Japan were the principal buyers of oranges from Central America. The United States accounted for 23.0% of exports in kind, France for 0.7%, and Japan for 0.6%. Together, these three countries represented 24.3% of total exports in kind.

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

After a two-year decline, the value of orange exports from Central America increased in 2020, reaching 37 499 K $ US. This represented a strong rise of 15.5% compared to the previous year. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 20.6%, with a CAGR of -7.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 32 457 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 24.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Japan, and France were the main markets for Central America's orange exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 62.8% of exports, Japan for 1.6%, and France for 0.9%. Collectively, these three countries made up 65.3% of 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 oranges to Central America

Imports in kind, t

Orange imports to Central America declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, registering 24 805 t. This represented a steep drop of 33.5% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 13.9%, with a CAGR of -4.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 41 091 t, which saw the largest increase of 42.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Chile, and Spain were the leading suppliers of oranges to Central America in kind. The United States accounted for 9.9% of imports, Chile for 1.3%, and Spain for 1.0%. Together, these three countries accounted for 12.2% of total imports in kind.

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

In 2020, Central America imported approximately 39 158 K $ US worth of oranges, marking a rise of 24.2% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value increased by 62%, with a CAGR of 17.4%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 10.1%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 45.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Chile, and Spain formed the main group of sources for orange imports to Central America in value terms. The United States accounted for 38.2% of imports, Chile for 7.1%, and Spain for 4.5%. Combined, these three countries represented 49.8% of total import 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