Potato market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Central American potato market volume grew steadily from 2.5 million tonnes to nearly 2.9 million tonnes. This expansion was supported by the introduction of a seasonal price calendar, which helped producers plan planting and harvesting more effectively, optimizing supply. Additionally, economic optimization initiatives for potato cultivation in key regions like Cartago improved yield and market readiness. The legislative definition of the basic food basket in 2020, which included fresh produce, further underpinned demand for potatoes.

Market growth slowed in 2021, followed by a modest contraction in 2022 before recovering in 2023. During this period, policies encouraging production alliances and cost-reduction through integrated crop management strengthened the supply chain. The entry of new agribusinesses under government support added to market capacity. Concurrently, strong consumer trends favoring intestinal health, freshness, and authentic local food influenced demand, while retail innovations and a focus on sustainability reshaped product commercialization.

By 2023, the market volume reached 2.9 million tonnes. The adoption of biological control technologies and comprehensive farm management helped lower primary production costs, maintaining supply. Consumer preferences at local farmers' markets continued to highlight the popularity of fresh vegetables like potatoes, emphasizing reduced waste and support for local markets, which sustained consumption levels.

Production potato in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

Potato production in Central America has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 2 730 thousand tonnes of potatoes, marking a modest year-over-year increase of 7.1%. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 10.3%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, potato production in Central America saw a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 037 million US dollars, down 6.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 8.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 105 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 8.2%.

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

Exports potato from Central America

Exports in kind, K t

Potato exports from Central America have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 43.3 thousand tonnes of potatoes, showing a small rise of 1.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports surged by 212.9%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 46.3%.

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

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 market displayed an unstable trend throughout the period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 3.4-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2017. In 2020, Central America exported 16 450 thousand US dollars worth of potatoes, reflecting an 11.0% decrease from 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 18 475 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 108.3%.

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

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 potato to Central America

Imports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. From 2018 to 2019, import volumes fluctuated sharply, with a 7.5-fold difference between the peak and trough. In 2020, Central America's potato import volume reached 172.2 thousand tonnes, showing a measured decrease of 10.0% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 25.5 thousand tonnes, while the maximum was in 2019 at 191.4 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 18.6%, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 649.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Canada, and the Netherlands were the key sources for potato imports in kind to Central America. The United States accounted for 48.8% of imports, Canada for 3.2%, and the Netherlands for 1.9%, together representing 53.8% 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

Foreign potato supplies to Central America have increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region imported a total of 99 123 thousand US dollars worth of potatoes, showing a 3.6% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 276.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 55.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States, the Netherlands, and Canada played leading roles in the value of potato imports to Central America. The United States accounted for 65.8% of imports in value terms, the Netherlands for 5.3%, and Canada for 5.1%, jointly making up 76.2% of total import flows.

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

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