Tomato market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Central American market volume for fresh or chilled tomatoes contracted from 3.4 million t to 2.9 million t. This decline was partly driven by supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which constrained availability. In 2021, while production stabilized, a 165 thousand t increase in exports reduced domestic supply, supported by the diversification of Mexican producers into value-added tomato products like sauces and pastes for international markets.

The market began to recover in 2022, reaching 3.0 million t, and grew further to 3.1 million t in 2023. This rebound was supported by rising consumer demand for ecological and natural tomatoes, alongside advancements in cultivation technologies such as protected agriculture and drip irrigation, which improved yields and quality. Additionally, the impending expiration of the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement in 2025 spurred investments in production and infrastructure to bolster export competitiveness.

In 2024, the Japanese company Kagome acquired a 50% stake in Ingomar Packing Company, signaling continued international interest in the region's tomato production. The expansion of modern agricultural techniques and sustained demand for organic products continue to shape the market landscape.

Production tomato in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of tomato, 2017-2020

World map of production of tomato, 2017-2020

Tomato production in Central America declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, output fell by 4.2%, followed by a smaller decrease of 2.1% in 2020, when production reached 4 827 thousand metric tons. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5 146 thousand metric tons, representing a 6.7% increase from the previous year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of tomato production in Central America was 7 230 million US dollars, marking a 9.6% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 12.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The only decline during this period occurred in 2019, when output value decreased by 0.2%.

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

Exports tomato from Central America

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Central America exported 1 762 thousand metric tons of tomatoes, representing a 7.2% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export volumes grew by 16.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.1%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 6.4%, while the strongest growth occurred in 2018 with a 15.7% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Central America's tomato exports were almost exclusively directed to the United States, which accounted for 93.6% of total export volumes.

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

In 2020, the value of tomato exports from Central America reached 2 640 million US dollars, showing a substantial 20.0% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 30.6%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 9.3%. The only decline during this period was recorded in 2019, when export value fell by 2.6%.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, the United States remained the dominant and nearly exclusive destination for Central America's tomato exports in value terms, accounting for 99.1% of total export value.

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 tomato to Central America

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes showed significant volatility during these years. The lowest level was recorded in 2019 at just 1 thousand metric ton, while the highest occurred in 2017. In 2020, Central America imported 14 thousand metric tons of tomatoes, representing a dramatic increase of 1,878.7% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 94.6%, and the difference between the peak in 2017 and the trough in 2019 was twentyfold.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the leading source of tomato imports to Central America in volume terms, accounting for 0.9% of total import volumes.

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

In 2020, the value of tomato imports to Central America stood at 18 million US dollars, reflecting a moderate decline of 3.4% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 2.2%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 0.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 18 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 19 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 4.7%, and the largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 6.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States played the leading role in tomato imports to Central America in value terms, accounting for 7.9% 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