Raw cane or beet sugar in solid form market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the sugar market volume in Costa Rica grew from 234.7 thousand tons to 272.3 thousand tons. This expansion coincided with the diversification of product segments, including the launch of raw sugar with stevia extract and caramelized sugar, which broadened the offering and likely stimulated domestic consumption. The state-owned entity LAICA maintained its central role in organizing production and commercialization throughout this period.

After a contraction to 229.6 thousand tons in 2021, the market recovered, reaching 267.0 thousand tons by 2023. This rebound aligned with increased consumer focus on traceability and clear labeling, as demand shifted towards products with simple ingredients and transparent information, influencing sugar demand. Furthermore, the 2023 launch of a regional campaign to prevent child labor in the sugar industry, supported by national ministries, reflected evolving social policies impacting sector practices.

Production raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2017-2020

World map of production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, 2017-2020

In 2020, Costa Rica produced 440.4 thousand tons of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, showing no significant change from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 2.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 431.1 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 4.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 2.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After two years of decline, production of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form in Costa Rica increased in 2020. The output was valued at 168.2 million US dollars, up by 8.7% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 26.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 154.7 million US dollars, while 2018 saw the largest decline of 22.9%.

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

Exports raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, K t

Costa Rica's export volume of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, with exports totaling 168.2 thousand tons. This marked a significant reduction of 12.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 23.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, China, and South Korea were the main destinations for Costa Rica's raw cane or beet sugar in solid form exports in kind. The United States accounted for 34.1% of exports, China for 18.1%, and South Korea for 15.9%, together making up 68.1% of total exports.

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, M $ US

Deliveries of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Costa Rica declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, with exports valued at 64.2 million US dollars. This represented a modest decrease of 4.3% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 41.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 16.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, China, and South Korea remained the principal buyers of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form from Costa Rica in value terms. The United States accounted for 36.1% of exports, China for 19.4%, and South Korea for 13.6%, jointly representing 69.1% of total exports.

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 raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, K t

Imports of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form into Costa Rica declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, with 0.1 thousand tons imported. This was 36.4% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 76.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 38.3%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports in kind of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form to Costa Rica were heavily concentrated, with the United States and Colombia together accounting for 98.1% of total 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, M $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2018, with a 3.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Costa Rica imported 0.1 million US dollars worth of raw cane or beet sugar in solid form, marking a robust decrease of 15.6% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 0.1 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 73.0%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 58.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, two key markets—the United States and Colombia—dominated imports in value terms, together accounting for 95.6% of total 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