Rapeseed oilcake market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The rapeseed oilcake market in Central America began at 584.6 thousand tons in 2018, with supply supported by normal output from specific producing departments in Guatemala and local climatic factors influencing raw material availability for oil extraction. After a modest decline to 567.4 thousand tons in 2019, market volume stabilized at 571.8 thousand tons in 2020, a period that saw Nicaragua implement national policies on integrated solid waste management, including oil residues, through specific decrees regulating collection and disposal.

A significant expansion followed in 2021, with the market reaching 609.7 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by increased demand for vegetable oils and their derivatives across Central American markets, which boosted oil production and consequently oilcake output, alongside the emergence of new technologies for processing and utilizing solid oil residues in the region. The market then contracted sharply to 506.0 thousand tons in 2022, a downturn that coincided with regulatory changes in Costa Rica introducing new labeling and quality standards for frying oils and fats, requiring the use of recommended oils and regular equipment cleaning, which likely temporarily constrained production activity. Recovery ensued in 2023, with the market volume rising to 545.3 thousand tons, supported by research and development into essential oil extraction and agro-industrial waste valorization in Panama and Costa Rica, as well as pilot projects for the collection and treatment of waste oils in universities and institutional consumption centers.

Factors observed in 2024 included extreme weather events and phytosanitary challenges in Honduras affecting palm oil production and exports, the approval of comprehensive solid waste management laws in El Salvador covering oils and their residues, and continued updates to labeling, quality, and handling regulations for frying oils in Costa Rica, all shaping the market landscape.

Production rapeseed oilcake in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of rapeseed oilcake, 2017-2020

World map of production of rapeseed oilcake, 2017-2020

In 2020, Central America produced 560.9 thousand tons of rapeseed oilcake, representing a 1.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 12%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.2%. The most significant drop occurred in 2018, when production fell by 11.1%, while 2019 saw a modest increase of 0.1%.

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

Exports rapeseed oilcake from Central America

Exports in kind, t

The market showed considerable volatility throughout the analyzed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a substantial difference between these years. In 2020, Central America exported just 0.1 tons of rapeseed oilcake, marking a dramatic 98.3% reduction compared to 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia remained the dominant destination for rapeseed oilcake exports from Central America, accounting for 97.1% 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, K $ US

In 2020, the value of rapeseed oilcake exports from Central America totaled 0.0 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 98.1% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value declined by 98.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -75.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Colombia were the primary markets for Central American rapeseed oilcake exports in value terms. The United States accounted for 55.5% of total export value, while Colombia represented 43.6%, together comprising 99.2% of all export flows.

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 rapeseed oilcake to Central America

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed significant fluctuations during this period. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019, while 2017 saw the highest level, with an enormous 211 360-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Central America imported a substantial volume of rapeseed oilcake, representing a staggering 10 926 688.1% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum volume of 0.1 tons was recorded in 2019, which also saw the largest decline of 100.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada and the United States were the main sources of rapeseed oilcake imports to Central America, together accounting for 99.9% of total import volume.

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

The market exhibited considerable volatility during these years. Between 2017 and 2019, there was a remarkable 5 705-fold difference between peak and trough values. In 2020, Central America imported rapeseed oilcake worth 2 821 thousand US dollars, representing an extraordinary 324 443.6% year-over-year increase. The minimum value of 1 thousand US dollars was recorded in 2019, which also experienced the largest decline of 100.0%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, Canada and the United States dominated the value of rapeseed oilcake imports to Central America, together representing 99.9% 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