Peas market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the fresh peas market in Central America grew from 58.7 thousand tons to 68.9 thousand tons, with its value rising from 116.4 million dollars to 158.6 million dollars. This expansion was primarily driven by a shift in consumer eating habits towards fresher, healthier foods, including a growing preference for plant-based proteins. The COVID-19 pandemic in 0 further accelerated this trend, as heightened health concerns led to increased demand for fresh, minimally processed groceries and a surge in online food shopping.

After peaking in 2020, the market volume contracted to 61.1 thousand tons in 2021 and then stabilized around 60 thousand tons through 2023. During this period, the market landscape was shaped by new regulatory demands for greater transparency in nutritional labeling and product origin. The competitive environment intensified with the entry of new players, while global supply chain disruptions began affecting trade flows, contributing to market adjustments.

Throughout the full period, underlying trends continued to evolve, including a stronger focus on sustainability which spurred the adoption of eco-friendly packaging. The market also saw the emergence of new product segments, such as pea-protein-based items catering to vegan and health-conscious consumers, alongside continued investments in cold chain logistics and infrastructure from both private and state-owned enterprises.

Production peas in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of peas, 2017-2020

World map of production of peas, 2017-2020

In Central America, pea production reached 111.7 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 9.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 0.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Pea production in Central America increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 257.4 million US dollars, up 18.2% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 31.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.4%.

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

Exports peas from Central America

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Central America exported 43 003 tonnes of peas, a 4.0% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 5.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 44 157 tonnes, which represented an 8.4% increase. In contrast, the largest decline occurred in 2019, with a 6.3% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary buyer of peas from Central America, accounting for 74.9% of total exports in volume. Other trading partners held relatively smaller shares during this period.

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

Cross-border shipments of peas from Central America increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports were valued at 99.083 million US dollars, a notable 12.2% gain compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, export value rose by 24.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and the United Kingdom accounted for the majority of pea exports from Central America in value terms. Other markets played a less significant role in the export structure.

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 peas to Central America

Imports in kind, t

Pea imports into Central America increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 155 tonnes, up 3.6% from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 2.2%, equating to an average annual rate of 0.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 126 tonnes, which represented a 16.9% decline. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with an 18.6% rise.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, pea imports in volume were distributed across a wide range of partner countries. China accounted for 8.8% of imports, the United States for 7.6%, and the United Kingdom for 1.7%, collectively making up 18.1% of total import 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

In 2020, Central America imported peas worth 272 thousand US dollars, representing a robust 12.7% year-on-year drop. From 2017 to 2020, import value decreased by 9.4%, with an average annual decline of 3.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 210 thousand US dollars, a 29.9% decrease. The highest value occurred in 2019 at 312 thousand US dollars, marking a 48.1% increase.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, the United Kingdom, and China played notable but not dominant roles as suppliers of peas to Central America in value terms. The United States accounted for 7.3% of imports, the United Kingdom for 5.4%, and China for 4.6%, with their combined share reaching only 17.2% of total import value.

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

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