In 2024, Costa Rica exported more coffee to Europe than to the US, marking a historical first with 42.6% of total shipments versus 40% for the US. This shift occurs amid the impending EUDR regulations aimed at combating deforestation. Costa Rican farmers are focusing on premium coffee production despite a slight decline in overall exports, demonstrating readiness for evolving international trade conditions.
In 2024, Costa Rica achieved a significant milestone by exporting more coffee to Europe than to the United States for the first time. According to the Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER), European nations imported 27,494 tons of Costa Rican coffee, constituting 42.6% of total shipments. Major importers included Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany, while the United States accounted for 25,759 tons, or 40% of exports.
Despite a slight decrease in overall export volumes over the past four years, PROCOMER reported that Costa Rican coffee farmers are concentrating on producing high-quality offerings in response to a rising demand for premium and specialty coffee, particularly in Europe and Asia. This trend reflects an increasing confidence in Costa Rican coffee amid the forthcoming EUDR regulations.
Gustavo Jiménez, President of the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE), noted, “Last year, we sold more coffee to Europe than to the US, our main buyer historically. The increase in European purchases shows we’re ready for these changes in international trade.”
The new data has been positively received by advocates of the EU’s EUDR law, which mandates that businesses importing commodities linked to deforestation—including coffee—verify that their imports have not contributed to forest degradation post-December 2020. However, the EU has temporarily postponed the law’s implementation due to concerns regarding its impact on coffee supply chains.
Costa Rica has proactively worked towards EUDR compliance. In March 2024, a shipment of deforestation-free coffee made its way from Costa Rica to Italy, marking a successful first venture. Subsequently, the non-profit sustainability organization Enveritas certified the Aquiares Estate as exporting EUDR-compliant coffee to a Barcelona-based specialty roaster.
Presently, coffee production involves over 27,300 family groups in Costa Rica, with 85% categorized as smallholder farmers. Coffee remains Costa Rica’s third largest export following medical equipment and fruit.
In conclusion, Costa Rica’s coffee exports to Europe have surpassed those to the United States for the first time, indicating a shift in global trade dynamics. This change is largely attributed to an increased demand for high-quality coffee in Europe, in alignment with stricter environmental regulations. The strategies employed by Costa Rican farmers to comply with EUDR laws reflect their adaptability and commitment to sustainable practices, ensuring continued access to key international markets.
Original Source: www.worldcoffeeportal.com
