Costa Rica - AgricultureCosta-Rica-Agriculture
Agriculture
CornOverview
Unit: Metric Tons
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 (estimated) | 2020 (estimated) | |
| Total Market Size | 858,000 | 899,000 | 907,000 | 915,000 |
| Total Local Production | 10,000 | 10,000 | 7,000 | 5,000 |
| Total Exports | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Imports | 848,000 | 889,000 | 900,000 | 910,000 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 786,613 | 887,937 | 890,000 | 900,000 |
| Exchange Rate: 1 USD |
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
Total Local Production: Ministry of Agriculture, National Production Council
Total Exports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Total Imports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Imports from U.S.: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Costa Rica’s total corn imports reached a value of $174.9 million in 2018, up from $162.6 million in 2017. Total import volume increased 4.8 percent during the same period. The volume is expected to continue increasing to satisfy a growing population and economy. Most corn imported by Costa Rica is yellow corn used in animal feed production. A smaller volume of white corn is imported for tortilla and corn flower production. The U.S. competes with South America in the Costa Rican market, although it has been able to maintain the largest share of the market. Brazil exported 60,300 MT to Costa Rica in 2017. Lower prices offered by South American suppliers occasionally results in a loss of market share.
Sub-Sector Best Prospects
Although most of the imported volume is represented by yellow corn used for animal feed, imports of white corn for human consumption in the form of tortillas have increased as a result of lower domestic production.
Opportunities
The market for corn is expected to grow in the future as a result of growing local demand for animal feed. Local corn production is very small, and the local poultry and dairy sectors continue to drive import growth.
Web Resources
Cámara de Industriales de Alimentos Balanceados
ciabcr@racsa.co.cr
Foreign Agricultural Service
agsanjose@fas.usda.gov
Soybeans
Overview
Unit: Metric Tons
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 (estimated) | 2020 (estimated) | |
| Total Market Size | 309,960 | 312,663 | 315,000 | 320,000 |
| Total Local Production | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Exports | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Imports | 309,960 | 312,663 | 315,000 | 320,000 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 309,901 | 312,659 | 315,000 | 320,000 |
| Exchange Rate: 1 USD |
Data Sources:
Total Exports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Total Imports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Imports from U.S.: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
The volume of soybean exports to Costa Rica increased marginally in 2018. Import value declined slightly from $127.6 million in 2017 to $126.1 million in 2018. The U.S. has maintained almost 100 percent market share since 2016. South American exporters occasionally enter the market depending on prices and other market conditions. Soybean meal imports have increased over the last few years; soybeans are imported mainly for meal. Soybean oil is sold primarily in the local market and is also exported to Central America. There is only one oilseed crusher in Costa Rica, INOLASA, located near the Pacific port of Caldera (where all bulk grains arrive).
Sub-Sector Best Prospects
Imports of soybean meal from the United States reached a record level in 2018. Soybean meal exports amounted to $39.7 million as compared to $19.5 million the year before.
Opportunities
Economic growth and higher demand for meats should result in opportunities for higher exports of soybeans in the medium term.
Web Resources
Cámara de Industriales de Alimentos Balanceados
ciabcr@racsa.co.cr
Foreign Agricultural Service
agsanjose@fas.usda.gov
Wheat
Overview
Unit: Metric Tons
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 (estimated) | 2020 (estimated) | |
| Total Market Size | 280,000 | 256,000 | 260,000 | 270,000 |
| Total Local Production | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Exports | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total Imports | 280,000 | 256,000 | 260,000 | 270,000 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 134,552 | 114,356 | 120,000 | 130,000 |
| Exchange Rate: 1 USD |
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
Total Exports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Total Imports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Imports from U.S.: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Wheat imports declined 8.6 percent to 256,000 MT in 2018. Total import value reached $68.8 million in 2018, down from $70.9 million in 2017. The value of wheat imports from the United States reached $30.5 million, down from $33.7 million in 2017. Canada continues to compete with the U.S. for market share. Canadian wheat exports to Costa Rica declined from 145,332 MT in 2017, to 141,644 MT in 2018. Canada has become a strong competitor in the wheat market in recent years. There are only two wheat mills in Costa Rica, Molinos de Costa Rica and FAHACASA. Export growth will largely depend on wheat prices as consumers are very sensitive to price increases. No wheat is produced locally.
Web Resources
Molinos de Costa Rica, S.A.
ftortos@mocrisa.com
Fábrica de Harinas de Centroamérica, S.A.
www.molinosmodernos.com
Foreign Agricultural Service:
agsanjose@fas.usda.gov
Fresh Fruits
Overview
Unit: Million U.S. $
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 (estimated) | 2020 (estimated) | |
| Total Market Size | n.a. | n.a | n.a. | n.a. |
| Total Local Production | n.a. | n.a | n.a. | n.a. |
| Total Exports* | 2,099 | 2,126 | 2,000 | 2,100 |
| Total Imports | 87.0 | 86.7 | 88.0 | 90.0 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 18.6 | 19.5 | 21.0 | 23.0 |
| Exchange Rate: 1 USD |
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
Total Local Production: Not available
Total Exports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Total Imports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Imports from U.S.: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Costa Rica’s imports of fresh fruit reached $86.7 million in 2018, slightly lower than the $87.0 million imported in 2017. The United States exported $19.5 million, up from $18.6 million, an increase of 4.8 percent from the previous year. The leading fruit imports from the United States were apples ($10.2 million), grapes ($4.0 million), pears ($1.9 million), peaches and nectarines ($1.2 million). Chile enjoys duty free access to the Costa Rican fruit market and is thus a major competitor with the U.S.
The United States and Chile export almost the same products to Costa Rica, but during different seasons. Chile exported $26.1 million worth of fresh fruits in 2018 to Costa Rica. Imports from Chile take place from January to July. During the rest of the year, imports come mostly from the United States, except for those fruits available year-round. Costa Rica imports fresh fruits year-round, but a high percentage of total domestic consumption of non-tropical fruits occurs during the Christmas season (October-December).
Sub-Sector Best Prospects
The best prospects under this category are grapes, apples, pears, peaches and nectarines, plums and cherries. There are market opportunities for kiwis and avocadoes as well.
Opportunities
Under CAFTA, the U.S. gained immediate duty-free access to the Costa Rican market for most of the fruits mentioned above.
Web Resources
Frutas del Mundo (Corporación INTERFRUTD)
www.interfrutd.com
Fruta Internacional, S.A.
frutaint@racsa.co.cr
http://www.frutainternacional.com
Foreign Agricultural Service
agsanjose@fas.usda.gov
Processed Fruits and Vegetables
Overview
Unit: Million U.S. $
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 (estimated) | 2020 (estimated) | |
| Total Market Size | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
| Total Local Production | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
| Total Exports | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
| Total Imports | 143.8 | 133.2 | 135 | 140 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 57.2 | 62.5 | 64 | 67 |
| Exchange Rate: 1 USD |
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
Total Local Production: Not available
Total Exports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Total Imports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Imports from U.S.: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
According to information from the Costa Rican Customs Department, total imports of processed fruits and vegetables totaled $133.2 million in 2018, 7.4 percent lower than in 2017. The United States exported $62.5 million in 2018, a 9.3 percent increase from the previous year. These products, especially frozen french fries, processed tomato products, mixed fruits, mixed vegetables, yellow and sweet corn, peas, and processed beans, generate strong import demand. Canada ($12.2 million), China ($9.9 million), Guatemala ($8.8 million), and Mexico ($6.2 million), are the main competitors of the United States in the Costa Rican processed fruit and vegetable market. The FTAs with Chile, Canada and China have created more competition for the United States in these product categories. Increased competition is expected following free trade agreements with China, the European Union, Peru, and Colombia. Central American countries also enjoy duty-free access to the Costa Rican market.
Sub-Sector Best Prospects
Frozen French fries, processed tomato products, mixed fruits, mixed vegetables, yellow and sweet corn, peas, mushrooms, garbanzo beans and other canned beans.
Opportunities
Tariff reductions under CAFTA are increasing the competitiveness of U.S. exports in this market against Chilean, Mexican and Central American products. Also, CAFTA put the U.S. on par against Canada in the frozen french fries market.
Web Resources
Foreign Agricultural Service
agsanjose@fas.usda.gov
Snacks
Overview
Unit: Million U.S. $
| 2017 | 2018 | 2019 (estimated) | 2020 (estimated) | |
| Total Market Size | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
| Total Local Production | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
| Total Exports | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. | n.a. |
| Total Imports | 170.3 | 171.6 | 173 | 178 |
| Imports from the U.S. | 46.8 | 45.1 | 46 | 48 |
| Exchange Rate: 1 USD |
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources:
Total Local Production: Not available
Total Exports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Total Imports: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Imports from U.S.: Customs Department, Costa Rican Ministry of Finance
Total imports of snack foods increased 0.8 percent to $171.6 million during 2018. U.S. exports of snack foods to Costa Rica totaled $45.1 million in 2018, 3.6 percent lower than 2017. Imports of snacks have grown rapidly during the last 5 years.
Imports of snack foods from the United States are expected to increase to $48 million in 2019 due to lower tariffs and the expected level of economic growth.
Although the U.S. is facing increased competition in this sector after the signing of free trade agreements with Chile, Canada, Mexico, China, the European Union, and Colombia, prospects for U.S. exports in this sector remain very good. Competing products are imported mainly from Mexico and Central America (Guatemala and El Salvador), but also from Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Europe on a smaller scale.
Domestic production of potato chips, chocolates, candies and cookies also provides competition for the United States. These products are exported to Central America (with a small amount shipped to the United States).
Sub-Sector Best Prospects
Salty snacks, popcorn, potato chips, mixed nuts and candies are all good prospects in this market.
Opportunities
Under CAFTA, the tariff on snacks will decline over time to zero, thus providing increased market access to U.S. products. Some snack categories are already at zero, others will reach zero in the coming years.
Web Resources
CACIA (Costa Rican Food Industry Chamber)
http://www.cacia.org
Foreign Agricultural Service
agsanjose@fas.usda.gov
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