Pork market in Nicaragua

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018, Nicaragua's pork market expanded, primarily driven by state-led programs that promoted technology adoption, genetic improvement, and technical support for producers. This led to steady growth in domestic production. Simultaneously, government-regulated price stability maintained consumer demand. In 2019, increased demand for packaged products and the entry of new players into premium cut segments further stimulated the market.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 affected supply chains, but the market adapted through enhanced biosecurity measures and a shift towards packaged and convenient products, sustaining consumption. In 2021, the continuation of state programs and the expansion of differentiated product offerings, such as ready-to-cook cuts, contributed to further market volume growth, exceeding 24 000 t.

In 2022, despite a 2.1% rise in domestic production, total market volume slightly contracted due to reduced imports, linked to global raw material price fluctuations and lingering pandemic effects on international trade. However, in 2023, the market recovered and reached 26 990 t, supported by increased import volumes alongside stable domestic output.

Production pork in Nicaragua

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of pork, 2017-2020

World map of production of pork, 2017-2020

Nicaragua's pork production declined in 2020 after two consecutive years of growth. The country produced 13 201 tonnes of pork, marking a slight decrease of 1.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 10.8%, representing a compound annual growth rate of 3.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 13 426 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 8.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, Nicaragua's pork production was valued at 39 569 thousand US dollars, showing a modest year-over-year increase of 1.5%. Between 2017 and 2020, the value of production rose by 6.5%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 2.1%. The peak value occurred in 2018 at 45 914 thousand US dollars, which also registered the largest annual increase of 23.6%. The most significant decline was recorded in 2019 at 15.1%.

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

Exports pork from Nicaragua

Exports in kind, t

Nicaragua's pork exports declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. The country exported 43 tonnes of pork, representing a substantial decrease of 13.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 57.3%, with a compound annual decline rate of 24.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, El Salvador and the United States were the primary destinations for Nicaragua's pork exports in volume terms, together accounting for 92.5% of total shipments. The remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

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

Nicaragua's pork export revenues declined for the third straight year in 2020, totaling 129 thousand US dollars. This represents a decrease of 10.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export values fell by 59%, with a compound annual decline rate of 25.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, El Salvador and the United States dominated Nicaragua's pork exports in value terms, collectively representing 93.4% of total export revenues. The remainder was distributed among other destinations.

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

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

Imports pork to Nicaragua

Imports in kind, t

Nicaragua's pork imports increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. The country imported 8 601 tonnes of pork, reflecting a steady growth of 8.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 36.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, the United States was the dominant source for Nicaragua's pork imports in volume terms, accounting for 99.9% of total imports.

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

Nicaragua's pork import expenditures increased for the second consecutive year in 2020, reaching 22 955 thousand US dollars. This represents a solid year-over-year growth of 14.3%. Over the 2017-2020 period, import values rose by 34.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 16 697 thousand US dollars, which also saw a modest decline of 2.3%. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 20.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States effectively dominated Nicaragua's pork imports in value terms, capturing 99.8% of total import expenditures.

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

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