Butter, dairy spreads and milk fats market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats in Costa Rica increased gradually from 16.5 thousand tons in 2018 to 16.7 thousand tons in 2020, then fell to 15.7 thousand tons in 2021.

Recovery began in 2022 as the market reached 17.1 thousand tons and held steady in 2023. Climate-related production shortages reduced domestic butter supply, prompting higher imports to maintain consumption. Trade was influenced by a 30% import tariff and technical standards, while the cooperative Dos Pinos continued as a major producer. Ongoing tariff reductions for dairy products intensified competition, and the market faced challenges from substitute products and smuggling.

Production butter, dairy spreads and milk fats in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of butter, dairy spreads and milk fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of butter, dairy spreads and milk fats, 2017-2020

Costa Rica's production of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 17 271 tonnes, marking a slight increase of 1.5% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 5.1%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats in Costa Rica was valued at 90 809 thousand US dollars, representing a year-over-year rise of 12.9%. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 13.5%, with an annualized growth rate of 4.3%. The smallest change occurred in 2019, when production decreased by 0.3%.

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

Exports butter, dairy spreads and milk fats from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Costa Rica exported 1 341 tonnes of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats, showing a strong increase of 12.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 10.3%, averaging 3.3% per year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 191 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 3.4% during this period.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras were the top destinations for Costa Rica's exports in kind. Guatemala accounted for 26.8% of exports, El Salvador for 24.0%, and Honduras for 17.6%. Together, these three countries made up 68.4% of total export flows.

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, K $ US

In 2020, Costa Rica's cross-border shipments of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats amounted to 7 054 thousand US dollars, up by 25.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 19.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.0%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 5 633 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 5.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras were the main destinations for Costa Rica's exports in value terms. El Salvador represented 29.6% of exports, Guatemala 21.6%, and Honduras 17.7%. Combined, these three countries accounted for 68.9% of total export flows.

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 butter, dairy spreads and milk fats to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Costa Rica imported 729 tonnes of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats, which was 5.7% lower than in 2019. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 1 146 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 32.5%, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a surge of 169.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand remained the dominant source for Costa Rica's imports in kind, holding an 87.7% share of total flows. The remaining imports were spread across other markets in a fragmented manner.

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, K $ US

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Import levels fluctuated, with a 2.6-fold difference between the high in 2018 and the low in 2017. In 2020, Costa Rica imported 3 736 thousand US dollars worth of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats, showing a moderate decline of 8.3% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 6 933 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 with a decrease of 41.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a rise of 155.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, New Zealand dominated Costa Rica's import structure in value terms, accounting for 86.7% of total flows. Other destinations contributed relatively small shares.

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

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