Prepared or preserved beef and offal market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

The market for prepared or preserved beef and offal in Costa Rica reached 1 998 metric tons in 2018 and grew to 2 107 metric tons in 2019. This increase coincided with economic factors such as changes in substitute prices and per capita GDP, which influenced demand for beef. The market volume then contracted sharply to 1 214 metric tons in 2020, a period where persistent economic determinants and a continued consumer shift toward healthier, more sustainable protein sources affected consumption.

A recovery began in 2021, with the market rising to 1 289 metric tons as the livestock sector demonstrated resilience against external price fluctuations. Strong growth followed in 2022, lifting volume to 1 956 metric tons, primarily driven by rising domestic demand for frozen meat and protein-based products, fueled by changing lifestyles and health awareness. By 2023, the market adjusted to 1 635 metric tons, moderated by ongoing challenges in local production efficiency and an intensifying consumer preference for healthier options.

Production prepared or preserved beef and offal in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, kg

Top producers of prepared or preserved beef and offal, 2017-2020

World map of production of prepared or preserved beef and offal, 2017-2020

Costa Rica's production of prepared or preserved beef and offal has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 53 000 kg, marking a modest decrease of 5.3% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 6.7%, with an average annual decline of 2.3%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 58 480 kg, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.0%.

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

Exports prepared or preserved beef and offal from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

Costa Rica's exports of prepared or preserved beef and offal have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 1 004 t, reflecting a significant rise of 31.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 270.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 54.8%.

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 heavily concentrated on Mexico, which accounted for 71.8% of total flows. The remaining volume was distributed among other trading partners.

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 export value of prepared or preserved beef and offal has risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 2 600 K $ US, representing an increase of 31.8% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 199.7%, with an average annual growth rate of 44.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Mexico and El Salvador were the primary destinations for Costa Rica's exports in value terms, together making up 90.6% of total flows. Other partners individually accounted for much smaller shares.

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 prepared or preserved beef and offal to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, Costa Rica's imports of prepared or preserved beef and offal declined. In 2020, imports stood at 2 164 t, showing a sharp decrease of 23.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports fell by 2.8%, equivalent to an average annual decline of 0.9%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 813 t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 15.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Guatemala and the United States dominated Costa Rica's imports in kind of prepared or preserved beef and offal, jointly representing 94.8% of total flows. The remaining volume was shared among smaller markets.

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 a two-year upward trend, Costa Rica's imports of prepared or preserved beef and offal in value terms declined. In 2020, imports reached 10 649 K $ US, which is 20.3% lower than in 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 7.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 13 359 K $ US, and the largest annual increase was in 2018 at 18.0%.

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

During 2017-2020, Guatemala and the United States were the leading sources for Costa Rica's imports in value terms of prepared or preserved beef and offal, together accounting for 93.3% of total flows. The rest was divided among smaller markets.

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

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