Tea market in El Salvador

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the Salvadoran tea market volume showed notable fluctuations, starting at 733.5 t and ending at 755.0 t. After a dip to 687.2 t in 2019, consumption surged to 768.3 t in 2020 before gradually receding over the next two years. Domestic production remained relatively stable throughout this period, hovering around 670 t annually, indicating that shifts in import volumes were the primary driver of market size changes.

In 2022, the market contracted to 727.2 t, a decline that coincided with high inflation of 7.3% which reduced consumer purchasing power. During the same year, the local company Lafiroa launched new specialty tea varieties with unique ingredients and expanded its presence in regional hotels and restaurants, supported by diplomatic recognition and international awards, signaling growth within the premium segment despite broader economic headwinds.

Production tea in El Salvador

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of tea, 2018-2021

World map of production of tea, 2018-2021

In 2019, tea production in El Salvador reached its lowest point at 663.5 tonnes. The following year, 2020, saw the highest output with 677.9 tonnes, representing a 2.2% increase. By 2021, production had slightly decreased to 672.8 tonnes, which was 0.8% lower than in 2020. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports tea from El Salvador

Exports in kind, kg

The export market for tea from El Salvador experienced significant fluctuations during this period. In 2019, exports peaked at 22 494 kg, marking a substantial increase of 1 556.8%. However, in 2020, they dropped sharply to a low of 649 kg, a decline of 97.1%, resulting in a 35-fold difference between these two years. By 2021, exports rebounded to 5 948 kg, showing an impressive growth of 817.0% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, kg

Between 2018 and 2021, Nicaragua and Honduras were the primary destinations for El Salvador's tea exports in volume terms. Nicaragua accounted for 68.7% of total flows, while Honduras contributed 23.4%, together making up 92.1% of all exports. The remaining volume was distributed among other trading partners.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of tea exports from El Salvador showed considerable volatility. In 2019, exports reached their highest point at 99 000 US dollars, reflecting a 395.1% increase. The following year, 2020, saw a sharp drop to 10 000 US dollars, a decrease of 89.7%, creating a 9.7-fold gap between these years. By 2021, exports recovered to 49 000 US dollars, surging by 381.5% from 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Nicaragua and Honduras dominated El Salvador's tea exports in value terms, jointly capturing 92.2% of total flows. The remaining share was allocated to other markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from El Salvador in value, 2018-2021

Imports tea to El Salvador

Imports in kind, kg

Tea imports into El Salvador varied notably over this period. In 2019, imports were at their lowest with 46 194 kg. The following year, 2020, they peaked at 91 089 kg, showing a 97.2% increase and resulting in a two-fold difference between these years. By 2021, imports declined to 70 081 kg, which was 23.1% lower than in 2020.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021, kg

During 2018–2021, the main sources for tea imports into El Salvador in volume terms were Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States. Costa Rica accounted for 24.1% of imports, Mexico for 23.9%, and the United States for 23.2%, together representing 71.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to El Salvador in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of tea imports into El Salvador displayed an unstable pattern. In 2019, imports hit a low of 423 000 US dollars. The following year, 2020, they surged to a peak of 1 074 000 US dollars, a 153.5% increase, creating a 2.5-fold gap. By 2021, imports decreased to an unspecified amount, showing a 39.9% reduction compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to El Salvador in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Costa Rica, the United States, and Mexico were the key sources for tea imports into El Salvador in value terms. Costa Rica contributed 31.8% of imports, the United States 21.4%, and Mexico 17.3%, together accounting for 70.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to El Salvador in value, 2018-2021