Unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee market in Costa Rica

Earlier Report Observations

The early part of the period saw significant production challenges for Costa Rican unroasted coffee, with the 2018-2019 harvest reaching a 40-year low due to adverse weather conditions and prolonged periods of low international prices. This directly reduced output to 76 385 t in 2019. Despite this contraction in production, the domestic market volume showed gradual growth, reaching 27 969 t by 2020.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, international demand became saturated as major buyers increased inventories to mitigate logistical issues, creating difficulties for Costa Rican exporters. Domestically, the market was supported by the rule from the Instituto del Café de Costa Rica (Icafé) mandating that at least 12% of production be consumed locally. This measure, alongside a growing consumer preference for local brands and greater diversity in coffee offerings, helped cushion the market even as total volume declined to 23 778 t in 2022 amid broader production volatility.

By 2023, apparent coffee consumption in Costa Rica rebounded to a record 33 176 t, reflecting a strong recovery in the internal market. This growth was reinforced by a consolidating trend toward specialty and region-specific coffees, driven by new preparation methods and a more informed consumer segment seeking differentiated experiences. In value terms, the market reached 150.9 million US dollars, underscoring a significant increase in market worth.

Production unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee in Costa Rica

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Costa Rica ranked as the 17th largest producer of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee, 2017-2020

World map of production of unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee, 2017-2020

In 2020, Costa Rica produced 86.8 K t of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee, marking a 13.6% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production declined by 4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.4%. The lowest production level was in 2019 at 76.4 K t, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 92.0 K t. The most significant drop was in 2019, when production fell by 17.0%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, Costa Rica's production of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee rebounded in value. In 2020, the output was valued at 405.7 M $ US, up 21.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 334.5 M $ US, and the largest decline that year was 13.4%.

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

Exports unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee from Costa Rica

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Costa Rica exported 69 654 t of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee, showing a strong year-over-year increase of 10.4%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 63 068 t, while the highest was in 2018 at 75 246 t. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 16.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States, Belgium, and Germany were the primary destinations for Costa Rica's unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee exports in kind. The United States accounted for 47.3% of exports, Belgium for 17.9%, and Germany for 5.9%, together making up 71.1% 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

After a two-year decrease, Costa Rica's exports of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee rose in value. In 2020, exports totaled 325.6 M $ US, a 17.9% increase year-over-year. The lowest value was in 2019 at 276.2 M $ US, with the largest decline that year of 12.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States, Belgium, and Germany formed the main markets for Costa Rica's exports in value terms. The United States represented 47.0% of exports, Belgium 18.4%, and Germany 5.7%, collectively accounting for 71.1% of total export flows.

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 unroasted, not decaffeinated coffee to Costa Rica

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports peaked in 2019 and reached their lowest point in 2017, with a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Costa Rica imported 10 831 t of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee, a 22.0% decrease from the previous year. The highest import volume was in 2019 at 13 887 t, and the largest increase occurred that year, surging by 192.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Honduras and Nicaragua were the main suppliers of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee to Costa Rica, together accounting for 94.0% of total imports in kind. The remaining imports were spread across other countries.

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

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. The highest import value was in 2019, while the lowest was in 2018, showing a 2.8-fold gap. In 2020, Costa Rica imported 18.5 M $ US of unroasted, non-decaffeinated coffee, down 15.9% from 2019. The minimum value was in 2018 at 7.8 M $ US, and the maximum was in 2019 at 22.0 M $ US. The largest increase was in 2019, with a rise of 180.6%.

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

In 2017-2020, Honduras and Nicaragua dominated Costa Rica's imports in value terms. Honduras contributed 57.9% of total flows, and Nicaragua 35.2%, together making up 93.1% of imports. Other partners accounted for 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