Unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee market in Central America

Earlier Report Observations

The market for unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee in Central America stood at 235 thousand tons in 2018 but contracted to 201 thousand tons in 2019. This decline followed a 14.6% drop in regional coffee production during the 2017‑2018 agricultural cycle, which created a shortage of green beans and tightened supply. International coffee prices had also reached historically low levels in 2018, reducing producer incomes.

Market volume recovered to 238 thousand tons in 2020, aided by a Guatemalan government project that provided producers with storage, roasting modules, and machinery to add value to green beans, encouraging local processing. However, the market shrank again to 223 thousand tons in 2021 as unroasted coffee secured a place among Guatemala's top export commodities, reflecting strong external demand that diverted supply abroad. By 2022, the market expanded to 248 thousand tons, and growth continued to 276 thousand tons in 2023 when international coffee prices reached new highs, improving profitability and incentivizing production.

In 2024, legislative developments such as El Salvador's new coffee institute law modernized regulation to facilitate green bean trade, while Guatemalan supply expanded toward premium segments. International prices rose nearly 40% due to climate and supply‑chain factors, further benefiting regional exporters.

Production unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee in Central America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee, 2017-2020

World map of production of unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee, 2017-2020

Unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee production in Central America declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 1 069 thousand tons, marking a 5.4% decrease from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 4.7%, which translates to an average annual decline of 1.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 1 160 thousand tons, with the largest year-on-year increase of 3.5% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of decline, the value of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee production in Central America rebounded. In 2020, output was valued at 3 302 million US dollars, up 5.1% compared to 2019. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 12.6%, averaging an annual drop of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 141 million US dollars, which also saw the steepest decline of 10.8%.

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

Exports unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee from Central America

Exports in kind, K t

Central America exported 849.8 thousand tons of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee in 2020, representing a significant 11.1% decline from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 11.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, when exports rose by 1.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Germany, and Belgium remained the primary buyers of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee from Central America. The United States accounted for 34.8% of exports in volume, Germany for 13.8%, and Belgium for 12.1%. Together, these three countries represented 60.8% of total exports.

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 value of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee exports from Central America fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 626 million US dollars, showing a slight drop of 1.2% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 19.1%, equating to an average annual decline of 6.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Germany, and Belgium continued to be the key destinations for unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee exports from Central America in value terms. The United States held a 36.7% share, Germany 12.9%, and Belgium 11.9%. Collectively, these three markets accounted for 61.6% 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 unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee to Central America

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee into Central America showed significant volatility during this period. In 2020, imports totaled 19.5 thousand tons, a sharp contraction of 28.3% from the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 27.1 thousand tons, which also saw the largest increase of 89.1%. From 2017 to 2019, imports fluctuated widely, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 3.3 times.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the country structure of imports in volume terms was highly diversified. Brazil was the largest source, accounting for 24.4% of imports, followed by Vietnam at 16.3% and Colombia at 4.7%. Together, these three countries represented 45.4% of total imports, with the remaining 54.6% coming from a wide range of smaller markets.

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

The value of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee imports into Central America exhibited irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. In 2020, imports were approximately 62 million US dollars, down 17.8% year-over-year. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 75 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 88.6% rise. From 2017 to 2019, import values varied significantly, with a 3.2-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the low in 2017.

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

From 2017 to 2020, three main markets—Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia—together accounted for 54.2% of the total value of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee imports into Central America.

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

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