Sheep and goat meat market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The sheep and goat meat market in Central America grew from 215.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 228.6 thousand tons in 2023, supported by consistent increases in domestic production. This expansion coincided with a global rise in consumer preference for fresh processed meat due to its high nutritional value, including proteins and minerals, which helped bolster overall demand.

Imports fell sharply from 4.1 thousand tons in 2018 to a low of 0.3 thousand tons in 2022, reflecting a broader global decrease in goat meat imports observed in 2019. However, imports rebounded to 3.6 thousand tons in 2023, aligning with a worldwide surge in demand for frozen meat—driven by younger consumers seeking convenience and longer shelf life, as well as growth in emerging markets.

Throughout the period, local production remained the primary market driver, rising from 211.4 thousand tons to 225.0 thousand tons. The renewed interest in frozen and convenient meat options influenced trade flows without offsetting the steady climb in total market volume.

Production sheep and goat meat in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of sheep and goat meat, 2017-2020

Sheep and goat meat production in Central America has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 215.3 thousand tons of sheep and goat meat, marking a 0.7% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of sheep and goat meat production in Central America has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 1 545 million US dollars, representing a 7.2% decrease from the year before. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 941 million US dollars. The most significant drop occurred in 2019 with a 14.3% decline, while the largest increase was seen in 2018 at 25.4%.

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

Exports sheep and goat meat from Central America

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend over the observed period. Export volumes peaked in 2020 and hit their lowest point in 2018, with the peak being 13.3 times higher than the trough. In 2020, sheep and goat meat deliveries from Central America reached 2 tons, reflecting a moderate increase of 4.1% compared to 2019. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 0.1 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 91.5% drop, while the most substantial increase was in 2019 at 1 173.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary buyers of sheep and goat meat from Central America were Venezuela and Ecuador. Together, they accounted for 10.4% of total exports in volume terms.

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 timeframe. Exports fluctuated significantly, with a 10.8-fold change from the peak in 2019 to the trough in 2018. In 2020, sheep and goat meat exports from Central America amounted to 13 thousand US dollars, down by 4.1% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 thousand US dollars, while the maximum was in 2019 at 14 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2018 with an 89.5% decrease, and the largest increase was in 2019 at 979.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, Venezuela and Ecuador were the leading destinations for sheep and goat meat exports from Central America in value terms. Combined, they represented 9.0% of total 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 sheep and goat meat to Central America

Imports in kind, t

Imported volumes of sheep and goat meat in Central America have declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region imported a total of 814 tons, indicating a dramatic year-over-year drop of 64.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 86.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -48.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia and New Zealand were the two leading sources for sheep and goat meat imports into Central America, together accounting for 87.5% of total imports in volume. The remaining imports were spread across a wide range of 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, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of sheep and goat meat into Central America have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 5 897 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a 63.2% decrease compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 84.5%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 46.3%.

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

In 2017–2020, Australia and New Zealand continued to dominate the list of markets for sheep and goat meat imports into Central America in value terms, together accounting for 87.1% of total import flows. Other partners played a supplementary role in the import structure.

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

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