Cabbages market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

The cabbage market in Costa Rica underwent significant volume shifts between 2018 and 2024. After a sharp drop to 16,433 t in 2019, the market partially recovered to around 22,000 t in the following years, stabilizing at 21,841 t by 2023 without returning to its initial level.

From 2022 onward, specific factors influenced the market. High food price inflation and the implementation of new front-of-pack labeling regulations for pre-packaged foods contributed to a further volume decline that year. Subsequently, in 2023, the market saw a slight recovery, supported by evolving consumer preferences for fresh, sustainable produce and the industry's adaptation to the updated labeling norms.

Production cabbages in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cabbages, 2017-2020

World map of production of cabbages, 2017-2020

In 2019, Costa Rica produced 19,480 tonnes of cabbages, which was the lowest level recorded during the period. The largest decline occurred that year, with production falling by 32.0%. However, in 2020, production rebounded to 25,593 tonnes, marking a 31.4% increase compared to 2019. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production decreased by 10.7%, with an average annual decline of 3.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

After two consecutive years of decline, Costa Rica's cabbage production value increased in 2020. In 2019, the value reached its lowest point at 9,706 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 37.5% recorded that year. By 2020, production value rose to 13,053 thousand US dollars, showing a 34.5% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, the overall value decreased by 23.7%, translating to an average annual decline of 8.6%.

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

Exports cabbages from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. In 2017, exports reached their lowest volume, while in 2019 they peaked at 3,067 tonnes, creating a 3.4-fold difference between these years. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with exports surging by 96.1%. In 2020, Costa Rica exported 2,662 tonnes of cabbages, representing a 13.2% decrease from the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Trinidad and Tobago were the primary destinations for Costa Rica's cabbage exports in volume terms, together accounting for 88.2% of total shipments. The remaining volume was distributed among smaller markets.

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

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2017, export value hit its lowest point, while in 2019 it reached its peak at 1,528 thousand US dollars, showing a 2.9-fold difference between these years. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with value rising by 80.4%. In 2020, Costa Rica exported cabbages worth 1,358 thousand US dollars, which was 11.2% lower than the previous year.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, two countries—the United States and Trinidad and Tobago—accounted for the majority of Costa Rica's cabbage exports in value terms, while other markets individually played smaller roles.

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 cabbages to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

Costa Rica's cabbage imports declined for the third consecutive year in 2020. In 2019, imports totalled 7 tonnes, but by 2020 they dropped by 63.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 97.9%, with an average annual decline of 72.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala and Mexico were the dominant sources for Costa Rica's cabbage imports in volume terms, jointly representing 91.6% of total flows. The remaining volume came from smaller markets.

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

Costa Rica's cabbage imports from abroad declined for the third year in a row in 2020. In 2020, imports were valued at 6 thousand US dollars, marking a significant 15.4% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 97.3%, equating to an average annual decline of 70.1%.

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

During 2017-2020, Guatemala accounted for 52.0% of total import value and Mexico for 40.6%, together forming 92.6% of Costa Rica's cabbage imports. Other trading partners made up the remaining share.

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

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