Coffee, husks, skins and substitutes market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

Costa Rica's domestic coffee market volume grew from 23.4 thousand tons in 2018 to 29.2 thousand tons in 2020. The sector operated under a structure dominated by private actors and cooperatives, with the state-owned ICAFE providing regulatory support and implementing improved occupational safety policies for coffee pickers. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 introduced logistical and supply chain challenges, yet the market continued its expansion.

Market volume jumped to 37.1 thousand tons in 2021, fueled by a rise in FOB coffee prices that stimulated production and by international projects promoting zero-emission coffee processing. A sharp contraction to 25.1 thousand tons followed in 2022, primarily due to changing consumer behavior as higher living costs led to a partial substitution of arabica with robusta coffee, alongside global economic volatility and climate-related factors affecting supply.

The market recovered to 34.8 thousand tons in 2023, supported by a 7.6% increase in production and rising imports to meet domestic demand. This growth occurred despite adverse climate conditions, including rust attacks and droughts, which continued to threaten crop viability. Processing remained concentrated in a handful of large firms, and the exchange rate of the colón against the US dollar played a key role in producer profitability.

Production coffee, husks, skins and substitutes in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

On the global stage, Costa Rica ranked as the 17th largest producer of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of coffee, husks, skins and substitutes, 2017-2020

World map of production of coffee, husks, skins and substitutes, 2017-2020

In 2020, Costa Rica produced 86.8 K t of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes, marking a 13.6% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production declined by 4%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.4%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 76.4 K t, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 92.0 K t. The most significant drop was observed in 2019, when production fell by 17.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, production of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes in Costa Rica rebounded. In 2020, the output was valued at 407.2 M $ US, showing a robust year-over-year increase of 21.1%. From 2017 to 2020, overall production decreased by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 336.1 M $ US, and the largest decline occurred that same year, with a drop of 13.3%.

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

Exports coffee, husks, skins and substitutes from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Costa Rica exported 70 130 t of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes, representing a substantial increase of 10.4% compared to 2019. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 63 508 t, while the highest was in 2018 at 75 607 t. The most significant decline took place in 2019, with a decrease of 16.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Belgium, and Germany were the leading destinations for Costa Rica's exports of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes in kind. The United States accounted for 47.5% of exports, Belgium for 17.8%, and Germany for 5.9%, collectively making up 71.1% 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, M $ US

After a two-year reduction, exports of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes from Costa Rica increased. In 2020, the export value totaled 329.0 M $ US, which is 17.7% higher than the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 279.4 M $ US, and the largest decline occurred that year with a drop of 12.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States, Belgium, and Germany remained the primary markets for Costa Rica's exports in value terms. The United States represented 47.2% of exports, Belgium 18.2%, and Germany 5.7%, together accounting for 71.1% of total export value.

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 coffee, husks, skins and substitutes to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import volumes reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Costa Rica's cross-border shipments of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes stood at 12 536 t, corresponding to a notable decline of 20.4% compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 15 750 t, and the largest increase occurred that year, with a rise of 124.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Honduras and Nicaragua clearly dominated the partner structure for imports in kind, while other countries together accounted for the remaining share.

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

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. The lowest import value was registered in 2017, with the highest in 2019, reflecting a 2-fold gap. In 2020, Costa Rica imported approximately 22.4 M $ US of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes, down by 10.4% compared with 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 25.1 M $ US, and the largest increase occurred that year, with a rise of 100.0%.

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

In the period from 2017 to 2020, Honduras and Nicaragua formed a dominant pair of markets for imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 86.7% of total flows, while other countries represented the residual 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