Beef and buffalo meat market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

The domestic market volume for beef and buffalo meat in Costa Rica remained relatively stable in physical terms between 2018 and 2023, fluctuating within a narrow band of 68 868 to 72 030 tons. In contrast, the market value demonstrated a clear upward trend, rising from 289.5 million U.S. dollars to 367.3 million U.S. dollars, an increase of over 25%. This divergence indicates that while consumption quantities changed little, the economic value of the market expanded significantly.

Underlying this stability in volume were countervailing movements in production and trade. Domestic production increased from 81 195 tons to 86 510 tons over the period, peaking at 93 450 tons in 2021. However, a substantial rise in exports, which grew from 16 893 tons to 26 849 tons, absorbed much of this additional output, limiting its impact on domestic availability. Imports also varied, ending the period higher at 9 833 tons, which provided some support to the market volume.

The growth in market value was driven primarily by higher production values, which surged from 311.0 million U.S. dollars to 422.8 million U.S. dollars, and increased export revenues. The data shows that the Costa Rican beef and buffalo meat market became more valuable despite only modest changes in the quantity consumed domestically.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

Costa Rica's beef and buffalo meat production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 89,769 tons, marking a 1.3% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 15.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of beef and buffalo meat production in Costa Rica was $352.2 million US, reflecting a 3.3% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 3.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $311.0 million US, while the highest was in 2019 at $364.3 million US. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 9.0% drop, and the largest increase was in 2019 with a 17.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

Costa Rica's beef and buffalo meat exports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 28,365 tons, representing a 14.2% increase from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 80.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 21.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China and the United States were the primary buyers of beef and buffalo meat from Costa Rica, together accounting for 88.7% of total exports in volume. Other countries made up the remaining share.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Beef and buffalo meat exports in Costa Rica have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to $111.3 million US, up by 8.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 62%, equating to an average annual growth rate of 17.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $64.7 million US. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 5.8% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 57.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and the United States accounted for 87.1% of total beef and buffalo meat exports in value terms. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each with smaller individual contributions.

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

World map of product's exports from Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, beef and buffalo meat imports into Costa Rica totaled 7,464 tons, indicating a 9.9% decline compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 8.4%, with an average annual decline rate of 2.9%. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 8,282 tons, with the largest increase that year at 8.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Nicaragua was the primary source for beef and buffalo meat imports into Costa Rica, accounting for 77.1% of total import volume. Other markets contributed smaller shares, forming a long tail of partners.

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

World map of product's imports to Costa Rica in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, foreign beef and buffalo meat supplies to Costa Rica totaled $40.5 million US, showing a significant decline of 14.2% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 13.8%, with an average annual decline rate of 4.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at $47.2 million US, with the largest increase that year at 9.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Nicaragua and the United States were the dominant sources for beef and buffalo meat imports into Costa Rica in value terms, jointly accounting for 97.7% of total imports. The remaining share was attributed to other markets.

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

World map of product's imports to Costa Rica in value, 2017-2020