Raw bovine and equine hides and skins market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

Production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Central America increased from 331 тыс. т in 2018 to 383 тыс. т in 2023. This growth was initially aided by a regional permission that allowed the use of tanned bovine or equine raw materials and crusts under the Central American Rules of Origin, simplifying imports and supporting local hide production. Later, a rise in horse production and aerial exports from Costa Rica to neighboring countries in 2021 further stimulated the output of equine hides.

The market volume showed variability, reaching 481 тыс. т in 2023 after a period of relative stability. In 2022, progress in cattle sector traceability improved international competitiveness and fostered hide production and commercialization. Concurrently, a growing consumer preference for healthier and more sustainable meat options in 2023 influenced meat demand, subsequently elevating the supply of hides as a byproduct.

Recent trade policy developments, including free trade provisions for most Central American agricultural products in 2024, are designed to facilitate exports of livestock-related goods. Public policy monitoring for beef sector exports also aims to impact hide production and trade, though import and export volumes saw a contraction in 2024.

Production raw bovine and equine hides and skins in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins, 2017-2020

Central America's production of raw bovine and equine hides and skins has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 349.1 thousand tonnes, marking a modest rise of 2.2% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.3%.

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

Exports raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Central America

Exports in kind, t

Central America's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the export volume reached 15 048 tonnes, which is 10.8% higher than in 2019. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 7.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 12 817 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 21.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Vietnam, and Turkey were the main markets for Central America's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins. China accounted for 45.1% of exports in kind, Vietnam for 0.6%, and Turkey for 0.5%, together representing 46.2% of total export 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

Central America's exports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 5.2 million US dollars' worth, which is 21.6% lower than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 77.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 39.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China was the primary buyer of raw bovine and equine hides and skins from Central America in value terms, consistently accounting for 57.1% of total exports.

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 raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Central America

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, Central America's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins declined. In 2020, imports totalled 76 922 tonnes, representing an 8.9% year-on-year decrease. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 10.7%, with an annualized rate of 3.4%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 84 423 tonnes, while the largest increase of 20.6% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the leading supplier of raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Central America, accounting for 87.8% of total imports in kind, with the remainder distributed among various other countries.

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

Central America's imports of raw bovine and equine hides and skins in value terms have declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 72.9 million US dollars' worth, indicating a steep decrease of 34.2% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 50.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 20.8%. The highest import value was recorded in 2018 at 152.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 4.2%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the overwhelmingly dominant supplier of raw bovine and equine hides and skins to Central America in value terms, accounting for 91.1% of total imports.

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

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