Turkey meat and offal market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh, chilled, or frozen turkey meat and offal in Central America grew from 109 thousand tons in 2018 to 154.9 thousand tons in 2023, with a notable surge to 184 thousand tons in 2021. This expansion was primarily driven by imports, which rose from 91.7 thousand tons to 135.8 thousand tons over the period, while domestic production remained relatively stable between 17.1 and 19.1 thousand tons.

Following a correction in 2022, import volumes resumed growth in 2023, reaching 135.8 thousand tons. This trend aligns with broader patterns in Latin America where turkey meat consumption has been gradually increasing due to its nutritional profile, featuring low fat and high protein content. In neighboring markets like Peru and Colombia, competitiveness challenges in local production have stimulated higher imports of frozen turkey, a dynamic reflected in Central America's growing reliance on foreign supplies to meet demand.

By 2024, imports advanced further to 149.6 thousand tons, indicating sustained market demand. The stability of Central American production around 19 thousand tons underscores that import growth continues to be essential for market supply, mirroring regional dependencies observed in other Latin American countries.

Production turkey meat and offal in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of turkey meat and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of turkey meat and offal, 2017-2020

In 2020, Central America produced 17 305 tonnes of turkey meat and offal, showing a modest 0.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 17 314 tonnes. In 2019, production experienced its largest decline of 1.0%, while 2018 saw the most significant increase of 4.0%.

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

Exports turkey meat and offal from Central America

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 0.0 tonnes, then surged to a peak of 5 tonnes in 2019, representing a dramatic 150-fold swing. In 2020, turkey meat and offal exports from Central America amounted to 1 tonne, marking an 88.0% year-over-year decrease. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a staggering 14 881.9% growth.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Venezuela and Ecuador consistently served as the primary markets for exports in kind, together accounting for 3.5% 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

The market demonstrated significant volatility during the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2018 at 0.0 million US dollars, then peaked in 2019 at 0.0 million US dollars, showing a 100-fold swing. In 2020, turkey meat and offal exports from Central America totaled 0.0 million US dollars, representing a sharp 84.1% decline compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 92.4%, while 2019 saw the most substantial increase of 9 875.0%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Venezuela and Ecuador emerged as key buyers of turkey meat and offal from Central America in value terms, jointly accounting for 8.6% 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 turkey meat and offal to Central America

Imports in kind, t

Turkey meat and offal imports into Central America increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 96 949 tonnes, reflecting a 1.0% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 15.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, turkey meat and offal imports into Central America were predominantly sourced from the United States, which accounted for 95.6% of total imports in kind.

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

After two years of growth, foreign turkey meat and offal supplies to Central America declined. In 2020, imports stood at 306.1 million US dollars, indicating a significant 10.3% reduction from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 8.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.9%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 341.3 million US dollars, while 2018 saw the largest increase of 19.5%.

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

In the 2017–2020 period, the United States effectively dominated turkey meat and offal imports into Central America in value terms, capturing 96.1% of total import flows.

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

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