Non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in Costa Rica expanded consistently from 3 173 t in 2018 to 3 596 t in 2022. This growth was primarily fueled by a significant increase in pork consumption, which rose from 13 kg per capita in 2018 to nearly 17 kg in 2022, supported by genetic improvements producing leaner meat and promotional campaigns highlighting pork's nutritional benefits. A 2018 study revealed that pork production was dominated by large-scale farms, which accounted for 80% of output, indicating a concentrated and competitive industry.

The market reached 3 603 t in 2023, a modest increase, as the overall meat market remained robust and domestic promotion efforts by the Costa Rican Pig Farmers Chamber persisted. In 2024, regulatory changes improved labeling transparency: the Constitutional Court prohibited hiding nutritional warning labels on high-fat foods, and the Ministry of Economy verified labeling requirements for meat products, ensuring better consumer information on fat content and origin. Additionally, the ratified trade agreement with Ecuador in February 2024 facilitated bilateral trade, while stable international raw material prices and exchange rate control supported production costs.

Production non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, 2017-2020

Costa Rica's production of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3,202 tonnes, marking a moderate 3.9% rise compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 11.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.7%.

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

Exports non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed significant volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2020, while peaking in 2017, with a 24-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Costa Rica exported 4.7 tonnes of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, representing a sharp 94.6% drop from 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 32.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Panama and El Salvador were the primary destinations for exports in kind, together accounting for 97.7% of total flows. Other partners each held significantly smaller shares.

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 export market exhibited volatility over the observed period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 17-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Costa Rica exported $6,800 US worth of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat, down 94.2% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at $116,800 US, with the largest increase that year at 114.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Panama and El Salvador continued to dominate the export markets in value terms, jointly representing 96.9% of total flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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 non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Costa Rica's imports of foreign non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat totaled 262.3 tonnes, reflecting a 17.9% decline compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 41.5%, with an average annual decline of 16.4%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 235.1 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 47.6%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 35.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States accounted for 79.7% of total imports in kind of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Costa Rica, with the remainder distributed among a wide range of smaller destinations.

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

In 2020, the value of Costa Rica's imports of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat totaled $372,600 US, indicating a sudden 44.3% decrease year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 45%, equating to an 18.1% annualized decline. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 20.9%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, the United States remained the leading supplier of non-rendered pig fat free of lean meat to Costa Rica, accounting for 88.5% of total imports in value terms, while the rest was spread across many other countries.

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

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