In recent months, it is estimated that the cost of raw materials for bread production in the Nicaraguan market has increased by about 25% and consumption has decreased by 40%, a phenomenon that is reported in the context of the economic crisis generated by the outbreak of covid-19.
Raw materials such as oils, shortening, margarine and sugar have increased their prices in this context of sanitary emergency, a situation that has put pressure on the production costs of bread producers.
During the first six months of the year, Central American countries imported baked goods for $226 million, 2% less than in the same period in 2017.
Figures from the information system of the Market of Bakery, Confectionery and Biscuit Products in Central America, from the Trade Intelligence Area of CentralAmericaData:[GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
Between 2016 and 2017, imports of baked goods, pastry and biscuit products in Central American countries grew by 3%, rising from $470 million to $483 million.
Figures from the information system on the Market for Baked Goods, Pastry and Biscuit Products in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption = "Click to interact with graph"]
In 2015 the region as a whole bought $454 million in baked products, confectionery and biscuits, corresponding to 214,640 tons.
Figures on Foreign Trade in Baked Products, Confectionery and Biscuits in Central America, analyzed by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData.com report that in 2015 Honduras led imports with $105 million, followed by Guatemala with $99 million, Panama with $76 million, Costa Rica with $66 million, Nicaragua with $58 million, and El Salvador, with $49 million.