Costa Rica Coffee Export Shift to Europe
March 23 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
For the first time ever, Costa Rica exported more coffee to Europe than to the United States in 2024, marking a historic shift in the trade dynamics of one of its most cherished commodities. According to data from the Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER), Europe received 27,494 tons of Costa Rican coffee—42.6% of total exports—while the U.S. imported 25,759 tons, accounting for 40%.
This milestone signals a significant change for Costa Rica’s coffee industry, as the United States has traditionally been its largest market. Guillermo Zúñiga Arias, Director of Commercial Intelligence at PROCOMER, emphasized that the numbers reflect growing European confidence in Costa Rican coffee. “This shift underscores the exceptional quality and sustainability of our product,” Zúñiga stated.
Gustavo Jiménez, President of the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (Icafé), echoed this sentiment, calling the development “very good news.” He noted, “For the first time, we’ve sold more coffee to Europe than to the United States, our historical main buyer.” Jiménez attributes this success to Costa Rica’s alignment with the European Union’s Green Pact, a comprehensive set of environmental regulations that require imports to meet stringent sustainability standards.
Costa Rica’s coffee industry is uniquely positioned to meet these demands. In March 2024, the country shipped its first 19 tons of certified deforestation-free coffee to Italy, demonstrating its commitment to the EU’s environmental goals. “The rise in European purchases shows we’re well-prepared for these evolving international trade requirements,” Jiménez said. The Green Pact, adopted by EU nations, mandates that imports like coffee must be free from deforestation links—a standard Costa Rica already meets. This compliance has strengthened its reputation in eco-conscious markets.
While export volumes have seen a slight decline between 2020 and 2024, Zúñiga highlighted that the value of Costa Rican coffee has remained stable or even increased. “We’re competing on quality, particularly in premium markets like Europe and Asia,” he explained. This focus on high-quality, sustainable coffee has allowed the industry to maintain profitability despite lower shipment volumes.
The shift to Europe as Costa Rica’s leading coffee market highlights the country’s adaptability and dedication to sustainable practices. As global demand for ethically sourced products continues to grow, Costa Rica’s coffee industry is well-positioned to solidify its presence in high-value markets and set a benchmark for sustainable trade worldwide.