Milk market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, Costa Rica's milk market volume expanded from 1 127 thousand tons to 1 353 thousand tons, with the most pronounced increase occurring in 2023. That year, production jumped to 1 391 thousand tons and market size grew by 157 thousand tons, a surge linked to rising demographic demand as reported in sector analysis.

Regulatory measures shaped the market framework throughout the period. In 2018, the technical standard RTCR‑401‑2006 set specifications for raw and hygienized milk, reinforcing quality norms. Trade rules were updated in 2019 under the Costa Rica–Peru FTA, defining origin criteria for dairy products. Labeling requirements for imported dairy goods were clarified in 2020, affecting sales conditions. Additionally, a series of workplace lactation‑support laws were passed between 2018 and 2022, mandating breastfeeding rooms and leave, which influenced consumer behavior related to milk consumption.

By 2024, authorities had approved a plan to eliminate the 66% tariff on dairy products under DR‑CAFTA starting in 2025 and had streamlined sanitary procedures to authorize 43 U.S. dairy plants for operation in Costa Rica.

Production milk in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk, 2017-2020

Costa Rica's milk production experienced a decline after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, production reached 1 217 K t, remaining virtually unchanged from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 5.4%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.8%. The peak was recorded in 2019 at 1 219 K t, with the largest annual increase of 3.7% also occurring that year.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Costa Rica's milk production value increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 857 M $ US, reflecting a gradual rise of 4.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value grew by 14.3%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 584 M $ US, which saw the largest decline of 2.5%. In contrast, 2019 marked the largest increase of 11.9%.

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

Exports milk from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

After two years of gains, Costa Rica's milk exports declined. In 2020, the country exported 60 521 t of milk, representing a 7.3% decrease from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports overall increased by 4.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 65 290 t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 10.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador consistently held the top positions in Costa Rica's milk export structure by volume. Guatemala accounted for 37.0% of exports, the Dominican Republic for 23.0%, and El Salvador for 16.2%. Together, these three countries represented 76.2% 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

Costa Rica's milk exports in value terms saw a slight reduction in 2020, totaling 92 356 K $ US, which was 2.7% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 13.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 79 839 K $ US, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 94 885 K $ US, with the largest annual increase of 18.8% also in that year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and El Salvador were the main destinations for Costa Rica's milk exports by value. Guatemala accounted for 36.9% of exports, the Dominican Republic for 18.6%, and El Salvador for 16.6%. Collectively, these three countries made up 72.1% 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 milk to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

Following a two-year decline, Costa Rica's milk imports increased. In 2020, imports reached 12 121 t, up by 20.5% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 10.6%, with a compound annual decline rate of 3.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 10 062 t, while the largest annual decline of 20.4% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Chile, Nicaragua, and Panama dominated Costa Rica's milk import structure by volume. Chile accounted for 41.7% of imports, Nicaragua for 27.8%, and Panama for 15.3%. Together, these three countries represented 84.8% of total import flows.

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

After two years of decrease, Costa Rica's milk import value rose. In 2020, imports totaled 17 815 K $ US, showing a solid advance of 24.8% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 279 K $ US, with the largest annual decline of 11.6% occurring in 2018.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Chile, Panama, and Nicaragua were the primary sources in the geographical breakdown of Costa Rica's milk imports by value. Chile accounted for 44.0% of imports, Panama for 20.8%, and Nicaragua for 15.6%. Combined, these three countries held an 80.4% share of total import flows.

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

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