Milk powder with fat content of ≤1.5% market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

The market for milk powder with fat content ≤1.5% in Costa Rica started at 1 603 tons in 2018, operating under a 66% tariff that protected domestic producers led by cooperatives such as Dos Pinos and Monteverde. In 2019, volume fell 21% to 1 269 tons after preferential tariff degradation raised import costs, cutting inbound shipments by more than half.

Recovery followed in 2020, with a 20% rise to 1 523 tons, as the COVID-19 pandemic strengthened local production through smart milking technology adoption. Growth continued into 2021, reaching 1 596 tons, aided by feed‑cost reductions that encouraged higher output.

The market expanded further in 2022, climbing 13.4% to 1 810 tons, driven by industry adaptation to consumer preferences and product diversification. However, 2023 brought a 23% drop to 1 392 tons, as imports collapsed to just 19 tons.

Production milk powder with fat content of ≤1.5% in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of milk powder with fat content of ≤1.5%, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk powder with fat content of ≤1.5%, 2017-2020

Costa Rica's production of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5% has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 1 669 tonnes, marking a 1.9% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 6.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5% was valued at 8 885 thousand US dollars in Costa Rica, showing a significant year-over-year increase of 16.8%. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 8.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 607 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 9 273 thousand US dollars. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 18.0%.

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

Exports milk powder with fat content of ≤1.5% from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

Costa Rica exported 493.5 tonnes of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5% in 2020, representing a controlled decline of 9.0% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 12.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 4.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 381.9 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 32.3% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 42.0% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic led the structure of exports in kind. Guatemala accounted for 45.2% of exports, while El Salvador and the Dominican Republic each represented 16.9%. Together, these three countries made up 79.0% 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

Exports of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5% from Costa Rica have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 2 627 thousand US dollars worth of this product, up by 4.3% year-over-year. However, between 2017 and 2020, overall exports decreased by 10.9%, with an annualized rate of 3.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 2 196 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 25.5% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2019 with a 14.7% rise.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Guatemala, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic were the primary buyers of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5% from Costa Rica in value terms. Guatemala accounted for 46.7% of exports, El Salvador for 22.5%, and the Dominican Republic for 11.9%. Collectively, these three countries represented 81.2% 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 powder with fat content of ≤1.5% to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

Imports of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5% into Costa Rica showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. In 2020, imports amounted to 347.9 tonnes, equivalent to a 100.4% increase year-over-year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 372.5 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 53.4% drop, while the biggest increase was in 2018 with a 775.1% rise. From the low in 2017 to the peak in 2018, imports changed by 8.8 times.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the structure of imports in kind was heavily concentrated on the United States, which accounted for 74.7% of total flows. Other partners made up the remaining volume.

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

Import data for milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5% into Costa Rica reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. In 2020, import volume amounted to 910 thousand US dollars, showing an abrupt rise of 111.4% compared to the prior year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 with a 40.0% drop, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018 with a 240.7% rise. From the low in 2017 to the high in 2020, imports varied by 4.3 times.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States and France were the primary suppliers of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5% to Costa Rica in value terms. Together, they accounted for 82.2% of total imports, with other countries forming the remainder.

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

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