CENTRAL AMERICAN REGION

Feedback from the Trade on Their Plans and Interest in the USA Pear Season:

Importers are requesting USA pears quotation, the main challenge is that its price in origin is higher than Argentina pears, they are looking for different quotations to have a competitive price.

Expectations for Any Freight or Logistics Challenges:

There is not expected any challenges for freight and logistic issues.

Opportunities in Your Market for Specific Varieties, Sizes, and Grades:

Importers are looking more for Bosc variety which has a great consumers demand, in terms of sizes, medium and small sizes are preferred.

Update on the Competition in the Market:

Argentina reported the highest availability, due its low prices importers are increasing their imports from this origin and they will continue handling this origin as long is available in origin. California pears will remain in the region for the next month due more loads are on the way, but by the end of the next month it is expected would decrease. Chilean pears volumes are expected to decrease during the next month, due importers will not receive more loads.

Political or Economic Issues Impacting Imports, Retail, or Consumer Behavior:

The World Bank projects that Central America' s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow 1.9% in 2024. Costa Rica projects the highest growth with 4%, followed by Guatemala 3.7%, Honduras 3.5%, El Salvador 2.9% and Panama 2.4%; Nicaragua -1.9%