Costa Rica: Plantain Market 2025

Plantain Market Size in Costa Rica

The Costa Rican plantain market skyrocketed to $X in 2022, increasing by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Plantain Production in Costa Rica

In value terms, plantain production soared to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production showed a noticeable decrease. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, production failed to regain momentum.

The average yield of plantains in Costa Rica reached X tons per ha in 2022, standing approx. at 2021. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of X% from 2012 to 2022; the trend pattern remained consistent, with somewhat noticeable fluctuations in certain years. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of X%. The plantain yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The plantain harvested area in Costa Rica declined to X ha in 2022, falling by X% on 2021 figures. Overall, the harvested area showed a mild decrease. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2021 when the harvested area increased by X%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to plantain production attained the maximum at X ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Plantain Exports

Exports from Costa Rica

After two years of growth, overseas shipments of plantains decreased by X% to X tons in 2022. Over the period under review, exports saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when exports increased by X%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of X tons, and then contracted remarkably in the following year.

In value terms, plantain exports contracted significantly to $X in 2022. In general, exports recorded a slight decline. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2016 when exports increased by X% against the previous year. The exports peaked at $X in 2021, and then dropped significantly in the following year.

Exports by Country

Honduras (X tons), the United States (X tons) and El Salvador (X tons) were the main destinations of plantain exports from Costa Rica, together comprising X% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for El Salvador (with a CAGR of X%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced mixed trend patterns.

In value terms, the United States ($X) emerged as the key foreign market for plantains exports from Costa Rica, comprising X% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Honduras ($X), with a X% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value to the United States totaled X%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Honduras (X% per year) and El Salvador (X% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the average plantain export price amounted to $X per ton, with an increase of X% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, saw a slight decrease. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major external markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the United States ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Honduras ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to El Salvador (X%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Plantain Imports

Imports into Costa Rica

In 2022, approx. X tons of plantains were imported into Costa Rica; rising by X% on the year before. In general, imports continue to indicate strong growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, plantain imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, imports continue to indicate a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when imports increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

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

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Nicaragua stood at X%.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value from Nicaragua stood at X%.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the average plantain import price amounted to $X per ton, waning by X% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, recorded modest growth. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2015 when the average import price increased by X% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

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

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for Ecuador amounted to X% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform