Last year, Guatemala was the only market in the region where washing machine imports increased, the remaining five countries decreased their foreign purchases, with El Salvador reporting the worst drop.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"].
More than 4 million people in the region are looking to buy appliances online, and 19% of these consumers are exploring options for purchasing climate control equipment.
The interactive information system developed by CentralAmericaData, monitors in real time the changes in consumer habits in all markets of the region, with fundamental information to understand the new commercial environment that has emerged in an accelerated manner.
In recent weeks, interest in kitchen appliances in the region's markets has increased, with Honduras and Guatemala recording the largest increases in interactions on the subject.
Through a system that monitors in real time changes in consumer interests and preferences in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for different products, sectors and markets operating in the region.
In Central America, it is estimated that Operadora de Tiendas, Corporación de Supermercados Unidos, Pricesmart de Panama and Moderna Electronics account for about 10% of total imports of blenders and their parts.
A study by CentralAmericaData's Trade Intelligence Unit shows that GMG Comercial from Guatemala and Costa Rica, and Comercializadora Panamericana are other companies that have a considerable share of the Central American blender market.
In Central America, it is estimated that Mabe, Panafoto, Elektra Guatemala, El Gallo mas Gallo de Alajuela, GMG Comercial and Corporación de Supermercados Unidos, account for about 16% of total imports of microwave and electric ovens.
A study by the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData indicates that Distribuidora Electrónica, Whirpool Guatemala and Operadoras de Tiendas S.A., are other companies that have a considerable share in the Central American market for electric ovens.
From January to June 2019, companies in Central American countries imported microwave ovens for $17 million, which is 8% more than the amount reported for the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphics"]
Appliances that connect to the Internet and can be controlled remotely using a cell phone are gaining ground in the Costa Rican market because they can help improve consumer habits.
According to distributors, customers decide to buy this type of appliance because its frequent use generates information that serves consumers to get the best out of the appliances.
During the first half of 2019, Central American companies imported $200 million in fridges and freezers, and purchases from companies in Mexico grew 6% over the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
In the first quarter of 2019, purchases of electric ovens and grills in the region's countries totaled $20 million, and purchases from companies in Mexico increased 14% over the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAPHIC caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
Between January and September 2018, companies in Central America imported $291 million in fridges and freezers, 12% less than in the same period last year.
Data from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphics]
From January to September 2018, companies in Central American countries imported microwave ovens for $25 million, 6% more than was reported in the same period in 2017.
Data from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphics]
From January to November 2018, imports of household appliances in Nicaragua totaled $106 million, 35% less than reported in the same period of the previous year.
Between the first eleven months of 2017 and the same period in 2018, foreign purchases of household appliances fell from $164 million to $106 million, according to the most current figures from the Central Bank of Nicaragua.
In the first six months of the year, Central American countries imported $190 million worth of refrigerators and freezers, and 43% was purchased by companies in Guatemala and Honduras.
Figures from the information system on the Refrigeration, Freezing and Other Refrigeration Machinery Market in Central America, compiled by the Business Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]