Costa Rica: Carob Market 2025

Carob Market Size in Costa Rica

In 2022, the Costa Rican carob market was finally on the rise to reach $X after three years of decline. Over the period under review, consumption, however, saw a precipitous shrinkage. Carob consumption peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Carob Production in Costa Rica

In value terms, carob production totaled $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, the total production indicated a notable expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -1.0% against 2020 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when the production volume increased by 7.1%. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2020; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

The average yield of carob in Costa Rica stood at less than X kg per ha in 2022, remaining constant against 2021 figures. Overall, the yield continues to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The carob harvested area in Costa Rica amounted to less than X ha in 2022, remaining stable against the previous year. In general, the harvested area recorded a relatively flat trend pattern.

Carob Exports

Exports from Costa Rica

In 2022, shipments abroad of carob decreased by -2.2% to X tons for the first time since 2011, thus ending a ten-year rising trend. Overall, exports, however, showed strong growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 246%. The exports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then reduced in the following year.

In value terms, carob exports shrank to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports, however, continue to indicate significant growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 257%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2021, and then reduced in the following year.

Exports by Country

The United States (X tons) was the main destination for carob exports from Costa Rica, with a 99.9% share of total exports. It was followed by Germany (X kg), with less than 0.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to the United States was relatively modest.

In value terms, the United States ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for carob exports from Costa Rica, comprising 99.9% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($X), with less than 0.1% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to the United States was relatively modest.

Export Prices by Country

The average carob export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, waning by -5% against the previous year. Over the period under review, export price indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2022: its price increased at an average annual rate of +4.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, carob export price increased by +61.4% against 2012 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the average export price increased by 11%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton, and then reduced modestly in the following year.

Average prices varied noticeably for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Germany totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the Netherlands (+14.2%).

Carob Imports

Imports into Costa Rica

In 2022, after five years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas purchases of carob, when their volume decreased by -8.6% to X tons. Overall, total imports indicated a noticeable increase from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.2% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +9.7% against 2015 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2014 when imports increased by 34%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2021, and then fell in the following year.

In value terms, carob imports declined to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, total imports indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +21.4% against 2019 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 50%. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum at $X in 2021, and then reduced in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Spain (X tons) was the main supplier of carob to Costa Rica, accounting for a approx. 100% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Spain totaled +18.8%.

In value terms, Spain ($X) constituted the largest supplier of carob to Costa Rica.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Spain stood at +21.9%.

Import Prices by Country

The average carob import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, waning by -5.2% against the previous year. Over the period from 2012 to 2022, it increased at an average annual rate of +2.5%. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 34% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2018 to 2022, the average import prices remained at a lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for Spain.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the UK amounted to +5.0% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform