Oil seeds and oleaginous fruits market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the market volume for oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Costa Rica fell from 22 964 t to 15 642 t. This sharp decline was primarily due to a drastic reduction in imports, which dropped from 7 847 t to 172 t over the period. The implementation of the National Seed Policy 2017-2030, which established clear regulatory roles and promoted high-quality seeds for domestic use, coincided with this shift away from imported supply. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic increased demand for seeds for self-consumption gardens, but the overall market volume continued to decrease as low import levels outweighed this localized demand boost.

From 2021 onward, the market recovered, reaching 17 942 t by 2023. This growth was driven by a consistent rise in domestic production, which increased from 15 474 t in 2020 to 17 772 t in 2023. A key driver was the entry and expansion of international companies like Bayer, BASF, and Nutrien, which established research centers and nurseries in the country, leveraging Costa Rica's favorable regulatory framework for advanced seed technologies. This investment expanded production capacity. The market was further supported by funding for local organic seed companies, the update of the Technical Regulation RTCR 493:2017 governing seed trade, and the growth of niche segments for gourmet and nutraceutical oils from seeds like avocado, chia, peanut, and sesame.

Production oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, 2017-2020

Costa Rica's production of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 15 474 tonnes, maintaining a level similar to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 3.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.2%.

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

Exports oil seeds and oleaginous fruits from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced significant volatility during the observed period. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 4 tonnes, marking a sharp decline of 67.3% from the previous year. In contrast, the highest volume occurred in 2018, reaching 111 tonnes. This represents a peak-to-trough ratio of 30 times between these two years. The largest annual decrease was in 2019 at 89.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 154.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Costa Rica's exports in kind were highly concentrated, with Japan and the United States together accounting for 92.5% of total flows. Other trading partners made up the remaining share.

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 exports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, export volume totaled 12 thousand US dollars, showing an abrupt drop of 97.3% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 98.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -75.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Japan was the dominant market for Costa Rica's exports in value terms, capturing 83.5% of total flows. Other countries collectively accounted for the residual share.

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 oil seeds and oleaginous fruits to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

Costa Rica's imports of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in kind have fallen for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country imported 172 tonnes, representing a dramatic decrease of 88.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports dropped by 98%, with a compound annual growth rate of -72.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Panama and Peru together absorbed 84.3% of Costa Rica's total imports in kind of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits, indicating a high degree of market concentration.

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 oil seeds and oleaginous fruits in value terms have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 492 thousand US dollars, down by 10.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 61.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -27.4%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, Panama, Peru, and Canada were the main sources for Costa Rica's imports in value terms. Panama accounted for 52.1% of imports, Peru for 17.9%, and Canada for 7.4%, together making up 77.4% of total imports.

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

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