Costa Rica exported more coffee to Europe than to the United States for the first time in 2024, according to new data from the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER).

Exports to Europe reached $152 million, compared to $128.6 million to the US last year. This marked a significant shift, with European exports rising by 25% from the previous year, representing an absolute variation increase of $30.5 million. In contrast, exports to the US dropped by 23%, falling $37.7 million over the same period.

Belgium leads European growth

The growth was driven by Belgium, where exports more than doubled from $46.1 million in 2023 to $95.2 million in 2024 – a 106% increase. From 2020 to 2024, exports to Belgium had a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.8%.

Other European markets also saw sharp increases. Exports to Finland rose from $2.4 million to $6.7 million (184%) from 2023 to 2024. Turkey, Romania and Poland also recorded significant gains, with Poland’s exports up 400% in the same period.

Changing global market dynamics

The overall shift reflects changing market dynamics and growing European demand for Costa Rican coffee. Total coffee exports from Costa Rica remained relatively stable, with a slight overall decline of 2% from 2023 to 2024.

With Europe emerging as a dominant market, Costa Rican coffee producers and exporters may increasingly focus on meeting European demand, capitalising on the momentum in markets such as Belgium and Finland. This could signal the beginning of a new era for Costa Rica’s coffee industry.