Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in Central America saw considerable fluctuation between 2018 and 2023. After a significant expansion to 439 thousand tons in 2019, the market volume contracted over the following three years, falling to a low of 250 thousand tons in 2022, before partially recovering to 292 thousand tons in 2023.

This volatility in domestic consumption was closely tied to changes in local production, which followed a similar pattern, peaking at 950 thousand tons in 2019. Throughout the period, the region maintained a strong export orientation, with overseas shipments consistently exceeding 510 thousand tons annually and accounting for the majority of the output.

Imports played a minimal role in the market, remaining below 4 thousand tons each year. Consequently, the internal market size was primarily determined by the balance between domestic harvests and the substantial export volumes.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

Central America's production of pumpkins, squash, and gourds declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 890.5 thousand tonnes, marking a moderate decrease of 6.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production increased by 21.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 950.3 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 18.1%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Central America's production value of pumpkins, squash, and gourds rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 852.2 million US dollars, representing a 5.1% improvement over the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 15.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 665.2 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.5%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 21.9% rise.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Central America

Exports in kind, K t

Central America's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 563.3 thousand tonnes, showing a 10.1% uptick compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 32.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports in kind were heavily concentrated on the United States, which accounted for 93.7% of total flows.

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

Cross-border shipments of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Central America increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 539.1 million US dollars, up by 23.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 26.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 421.8 million US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 0.7%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States remained the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for exports in value terms, holding a 94.3% share of total exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Central America.

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 pumpkins, squash and gourds to Central America

Imports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with an 8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, deliveries to Central America totaled 1.6 thousand tonnes, constituting a 255.2% increase compared to 2019. The highest import level was recorded in 2018 at 1.7 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 74.3%, while the largest increase was in 2018, surging by 704.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the primary supplier of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Central America, consistently accounting for 41.0% of total imports in kind.

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 market exhibited signs of volatility over the observed period. Import levels fluctuated, with a 5-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020. In 2020, deliveries to Central America registered 2.1 million US dollars, up by 386.7% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, dropping by 76.1%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the United States and China remained the principal suppliers of pumpkins, squash, and gourds to Central America, together forming 72.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

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