Edible brassicas market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh edible brassicas in Costa Rica experienced significant volatility between 2018 and 2020. The total market volume dropped sharply from 27 209 t in 2018 to 16 420 t in 2019. This was followed by a strong recovery in 2020, when the market expanded to 22 698 t.

From 2021 to 2023, the market entered a phase of relative stabilization. Volume remained around the 22 000 t mark, registering 22 220 t in 2021, 21 718 t in 2022, and 22 136 t in 2023, indicating a period of modest year-to-year fluctuations.

Production edible brassicas in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

In 2019, Costa Rica produced 19,855 tonnes of edible brassicas, which was the lowest level recorded during the period. However, production rebounded sharply in 2020, reaching 25,962 tonnes—a significant 30.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the entire 2017-2020 period, production declined by 10.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.6%. The most substantial drop occurred in 2019, when production fell by 31.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two years of decline, Costa Rica's edible brassicas production saw a recovery in value terms. In 2019, output was valued at 9,955 thousand US dollars, marking the minimum for the period. By 2020, this figure had risen to 12,924 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic 29.8% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 span, production value decreased by 29.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.0%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, when value dropped by 37.0%.

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

Exports edible brassicas from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

The export market for edible brassicas displayed notable volatility during the observed years. In 2017, export volumes reached their lowest point, while 2019 saw the peak at 3,465 tonnes—a difference of 2.8 times between these extremes. In 2020, Costa Rica exported 3,276 tonnes, down 5.5% from the previous year. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, when exports surged by 83.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Trinidad and Tobago and the United States together accounted for 85.7% of Costa Rica's total edible brassicas exports by volume. This high concentration indicates that the export market was dominated by these two partners, with numerous smaller markets making up the remainder.

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

After two years of growth, Costa Rica's edible brassicas exports in value terms experienced a decline. In 2019, exports reached their highest value at 1,737 thousand US dollars, but this fell to 1,631 thousand US dollars in 2020—a moderate 6.1% reduction year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 105.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 27.1%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, when value rose by 68.8%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, the United States and Trinidad and Tobago were the primary destinations for Costa Rica's edible brassicas exports in value terms, jointly representing 82.6% of total flows. Other trading partners each held significantly smaller shares, contributing to a concentrated export structure.

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 edible brassicas to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

Costa Rica's imports of edible brassicas by volume declined for the third consecutive year. In 2019, imports were higher, but by 2020 they had dropped to 11 tonnes—a sharp 63.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 97%, equating to an average annual decline of 69.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala and Mexico were the main sources of edible brassicas imports to Costa Rica by volume, concentrating most of the inflows. Other markets played a less significant role individually during this period.

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 imports of edible brassicas in value terms declined for the third year in a row. In 2019, imports were higher, but in 2020 they totalled 12 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp 59.1% drop over the past year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 95.7%, with an average annual decline of 64.8%.

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

During 2017–2020, Mexico and Guatemala remained the key sources for Costa Rica's edible brassicas imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 89.5% of total flows. Other partners were much less significant individually, highlighting a highly concentrated import structure.

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

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