Oranges market in Nicaragua

Earlier Report Observations

Orange production in Nicaragua increased from 110 thousand tons in 2018 to 113.2 thousand tons in 2023, supported by improved climatic conditions, expansion of cultivated areas, and government-backed low-interest loans for citrus growers. The market structure has long involved sales through intermediaries, limiting producer profits, though efforts to improve direct access to wholesalers have been noted. Despite global economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, the sector maintained stability through strong export performance.

Domestic market volume fluctuated significantly, largely driven by changes in export levels. Strong international demand and favorable prices boosted exports in 2022, reducing domestic availability. In 2023, a sharp decline in exports combined with robust domestic harvests led to a marked increase in market size to 62.6 thousand tons, with local markets reporting stable supply and prices for oranges.

The Association of Producers and Exporters of Nicaragua highlighted the growing export potential of citrus fruits, with the United States as a key destination. Production remains regionally concentrated in areas like Río San Juan, and continued financial support along with accessible credit for the 2023-2024 agricultural cycle points to sustained activity in both domestic and export markets.

Production oranges in Nicaragua

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of oranges, 2017-2020

World map of production of oranges, 2017-2020

Orange production in Nicaragua has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 112.3 thousand tons of oranges, marking a 0.8% rise from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two years of decline, Nicaragua's orange production value rebounded in 2020. The output was valued at 18 818 thousand US dollars, representing a significant increase of 16.3% compared to the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 14.4%, which translates to an annualized decline of 5.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 16 179 thousand US dollars, with the largest drop of 23.8% occurring that same year.

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

Exports oranges from Nicaragua

Exports in kind, t

Nicaragua exported 70 463 tons of oranges in 2020, showing a solid uptick of 23.6% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 5.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.8%. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 56 987 tons, while the maximum was in 2018 at 72 920 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 21.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nicaragua's orange exports were almost entirely directed towards Costa Rica, which accounted for 100.0% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Nicaragua in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Nicaragua's orange export value stood at 11 812 thousand US dollars, up by 42.6% compared to the previous year. However, between 2017 and 2020, export value decreased by 12.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 4.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 8 281 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 14 076 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 41.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country structure of Nicaragua's orange exports in value terms was highly concentrated, with Costa Rica alone accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Nicaragua in value, 2017-2020

Imports oranges to Nicaragua

Imports in kind, t

Foreign orange supplies to Nicaragua declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. The import volume amounted to 838 tons, equivalent to a decrease of 34.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 79.4%, with a compound annual decline rate of 40.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Honduras and Costa Rica were the main sources for Nicaragua's orange imports in kind, jointly accounting for 97.3% of total flows, while other partners made up the remaining share.

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

World map of product's imports to Nicaragua in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Orange imports to Nicaragua declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. The country imported approximately 205 thousand US dollars worth of oranges, representing a 27.2% decline compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 62.2%, equating to an annualized decline of 27.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the leading sources for Nicaragua's orange imports in value terms were Honduras (51.1% of imports), Costa Rica (16.8% of imports), and Chile (15.5% of imports), which together accounted for 83.4% of total flows.

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

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