Poultry meat and offal market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The market for poultry meat and offal in Central America expanded consistently between 2018 and 2023, with total consumption volume rising from 9 631 thousand tons to 11 649 thousand tons. This growth was supported by increasing domestic production, which climbed from 9 066 to 10 525 thousand tons over the same period.

During the early 2020s, broader global trends influenced the regional market. Improved consumer perception of frozen poultry products, driven by their longer shelf life and convenience, bolstered demand. Simultaneously, international regulatory developments and trade agreements facilitated import flows, with key global suppliers like Brazil and the United States playing a significant role in meeting regional needs.

By 2024, trade patterns underscored the region's integration into international supply chains, with Mexico's import data highlighting the United States, Brazil, and Chile as major origins. The total trade value for such products in Mexico reached $1.89 billion, reflecting the ongoing importance of cross-border commerce for Central America's poultry market.

Production poultry meat and offal in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of poultry meat and offal, 2017-2020

Poultry meat and offal production in Central America has grown for the third year in a row. In 2019, the region produced 9 643 thousand tons, and this increased by 2.5% to reach the same level in 2020. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 11.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of growth, the value of poultry meat and offal production in Central America fell in 2020. Output was valued at 14 722 million US dollars, down 17.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 11.9%, with an average annual rate of 3.8%. The peak was in 2019 at 17 901 million US dollars, while the largest yearly increase of 17.7% occurred in 2018.

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

Exports poultry meat and offal from Central America

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year drop, Central America's poultry meat and offal exports rebounded in 2020. Export volume hit 5.4 thousand tons, surging 28.1% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports overall decreased by 14.9%, averaging a 5.2% annual decline. The lowest point was in 2019 at 4.2 thousand tons, with the sharpest fall of 24.2% also recorded that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main destinations for Central America's poultry meat and offal exports by volume were Colombia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Colombia accounted for 3.8% of exports, Vietnam for 3.2%, and Hong Kong for 1.2%. Together, these three markets made up 8.1% of total export volume.

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, M $ US

After declining for two years, the value of poultry meat and offal exports from Central America rose slightly in 2020. Exports totaled 8 million US dollars, up 2.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 span, export value fell by 14.3%, with an average annual decrease of 5.0%. The minimum was in 2019 at 8 million US dollars, and the largest drop of 15.6% also occurred that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the key markets for Central America's poultry meat and offal exports by value were Colombia, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Colombia represented 3.5% of export value, Vietnam 1.5%, and Hong Kong 0.6%. Combined, these three accounted for 5.6% of total export value.

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 poultry meat and offal to Central America

Imports in kind, K t

Poultry meat and offal imports into Central America grew for the second consecutive year in 2020. Import volume reached 634.4 thousand tons, a modest increase of 1.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 7.5%, averaging a 2.6% annual decline. The lowest volume was in 2018 at 571.1 thousand tons, with the biggest drop of 16.8% that same year. In contrast, the largest increase of 9.3% was recorded in 2019.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States dominated Central America's poultry meat and offal imports by volume, holding 85.0% of the total. The remaining 15.0% was distributed among various smaller suppliers.

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, M $ US

The value of poultry meat and offal imports into Central America declined for the third year in a row in 2020. Import value stood at 1 172 million US dollars, down 5.7% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, import value fell by 8.3%, with an average annual decrease of 2.8%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States was the leading supplier of poultry meat and offal to Central America by value, accounting for 87.0% of total imports. The rest was shared among numerous other countries.

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

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