Oranges market in El Salvador

Earlier Report Observations

The orange market in El Salvador experienced notable volatility from 2018 to 2023. After a decline to 70 263 t in 2019, market volume recovered to 85 787 t by 2021, supported by a rebound in domestic production and consistent import flows to supply national demand.

A sharp expansion followed in 2022, with the market reaching 97 981 t. This growth was driven by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock's promotion of local citrus cultivation through initiatives like the Orange Fair, which boosted domestic output, coupled with a legislative extension of tax exemptions on imports of basic goods, including oranges, that facilitated greater import availability and kept consumer prices in check.

The market contracted to 92 014 t in 2023. This decrease was primarily due to a significant drop in imports, which was partly caused by supply disruptions from social protests in Guatemala that affected the flow of fruit across the border. Throughout this period, the government maintained price verification measures and tax relief on basic products to mitigate inflationary pressures on consumers.

Production oranges in El Salvador

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of oranges, 2018-2021

World map of production of oranges, 2018-2021

Orange production in El Salvador has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 62 132 tons of oranges, marking a gradual year-over-year increase of 8.1%. However, looking at the broader period from 2018 to 2021, production actually decreased by 3.3%, which translates to an annualized decline of 1.1%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 49 517 tons, which also saw the largest decline of 22.9%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020 with a 16.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

The value of orange production in El Salvador has also risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 5 592 thousand US dollars, reflecting a modest improvement of 8.1% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 4 483 thousand US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 20.1%. The largest increase in value occurred in 2020 with a 15.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports oranges from El Salvador

Exports in kind, t

The export market for oranges from El Salvador showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. Exports reached their minimum in 2020 at 20 tons, which represented a 92.9% decline, while the maximum was recorded in 2018, resulting in a 35-fold variation between these years. In 2021, El Salvador exported 20 tons of oranges, showing no significant change compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Guatemala was the primary destination for El Salvador's orange exports in kind, accounting for 100.0% of total flows, effectively determining the geographical structure.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of orange exports from El Salvador exhibited irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The period from 2018 to 2020 saw a peak-to-trough amplitude of 34 times, with the minimum value recorded in 2020 at 2 thousand US dollars, which also marked the largest decline of 92.9%. In 2021, export volumes totaled 2 thousand US dollars, remaining nearly unchanged compared to 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

During 2018–2021, Guatemala was the main recipient of El Salvador's orange exports in value terms, absorbing 99.6% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from El Salvador in value, 2018-2021

Imports oranges to El Salvador

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year increase, orange imports to El Salvador declined in 2021. The country imported 25 116 tons of oranges in 2020, which was the maximum value, but this fell by 5.7% to 23 700 tons in 2021 compared to the previous year. Over the entire period from 2018 to 2021, imports increased by 51.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.8%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 34.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Honduras played a dominant role in orange imports to El Salvador in kind, consistently accounting for 95.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of imported oranges to El Salvador increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 2 130 thousand US dollars, up by 23.4% compared with 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports grew by 111.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 28.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In 2018–2021, Honduras concentrated most of the imports in value terms, taking 72.7% of total flows, while other markets contributed to a fragmented tail.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to El Salvador in value, 2018-2021