Peaches and nectarines market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The Central American market for fresh peaches and nectarines expanded consistently from 2018 to 2023, with market volume rising from 245.8 thousand tons to 337.6 thousand tons. This 37% growth was supported by a parallel increase in domestic production, which climbed from 209.3 thousand tons to 306.5 thousand tons over the same period.

The market's growth, particularly after 2020, aligned with broader regional and global trends, including a growing consumer preference for fresh and organic fruits and the emergence of online retail as a high-growth sales channel. These shifts helped stimulate demand and supported the overall expansion of market volume.

Regional consumption in Latin America remained robust, with reported growth in demand for peaches and nectarines. Structural changes in key supplying countries, such as producers in Chile shifting cultivation from peaches to nectarines due to stronger international demand for the latter, also contributed to the market's evolving supply dynamics.

Production peaches and nectarines in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

World map of production of peaches and nectarines, 2017-2020

After two years of decline, peach and nectarine production in Central America rebounded in 2020. That year, the region produced 219.6 thousand tons, marking a 6.3% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4.8%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 206.6 thousand tons, when output fell by 1.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of peach and nectarine production in Central America reached 337.5 million US dollars, representing a significant 34.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value rose by 28.6%, averaging an 8.7% annual growth rate. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 251.9 million US dollars, when it declined by 13.5%.

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

Exports peaches and nectarines from Central America

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of peaches and nectarines from Central America showed notable fluctuations between 2017 and 2020. The lowest point occurred in 2017, while exports peaked in 2020 at 1 264 tons—a 227.5% surge from 2019. This represents a 5.5-fold increase from the 2017 minimum. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 49.6%, while exports saw their biggest jump in 2018 with a 234.4% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained Central America's primary export partner for peaches and nectarines in volume terms, accounting for 11.9% of total exports.

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

The value of peach and nectarine exports from Central America experienced significant volatility between 2017 and 2020. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while 2020 saw the peak at 1.943 million US dollars—a dramatic 312.9% year-over-year increase. This represents a 6.8-fold rise from the 2017 minimum. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 55.8%.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, the United States clearly led in export value terms, capturing 39.1% of Central America's total peach and nectarine 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 peaches and nectarines to Central America

Imports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, Central America's peach and nectarine imports declined in 2020. The region imported approximately 28 661 tons that year, down 36.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 16.1%, with an average annual decline of 5.7%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 45 117 tons, when imports increased by 20.8%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States and Chile dominated Central America's peach and nectarine imports in volume terms, jointly accounting for 94.6% of total imports, while other countries held much smaller 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, K $ US

Following two years of increase, Central America's peach and nectarine import value declined in 2020. Imports reached 46.625 million US dollars that year, down 18.3% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value actually increased by 10.1%, averaging 3.3% annual growth. The peak value was recorded in 2019 at 57.056 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 29.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Chile remained Central America's principal sources for peach and nectarine imports in value terms, jointly representing 97.8% of total import flows, with other partners accounting for significantly smaller shares.

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

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