Costa Rica’s Coffee Exports to Europe Surpass Those to the US

In 2024, Costa Rica exported more coffee to Europe than the US for the first time, with European imports reaching 42.6% of total shipments. PROCOMER and ICAFE noted a focus on quality amidst rising demand, as farmers prepare for the EU’s EUDR law, effective December 30, 2025. The first shipment of deforestation-free coffee to Europe occurred in March 2024, highlighting compliance efforts.

In a historic milestone, Costa Rica has surpassed the United States as the largest export market for its coffee, according to the latest data from the country’s Foreign Trade Promoter, PROCOMER. In 2024, European nations imported 27,494 tons of Costa Rican coffee, constituting 42.6% of total shipments, with Belgium, Switzerland, and Germany leading as the top importers. In contrast, the United States imported 25,759 tons, accounting for 40% of Costa Rican coffee exports.

Despite a slight decline in total export volumes over the last four years, Costa Rican coffee farmers are prioritizing quality in response to rising demand for premium and specialty coffee in Europe and Asia. Both PROCOMER and the Costa Rican Coffee Institute (ICAFE) have noted that this shift reflects increasing European confidence in Costa Rican coffee amidst new incoming EUDR laws, effective December 30, 2025.

Gustavo Jiménez, President of ICAFE, emphasized this significant transition: “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.” This news is particularly relevant for proponents of the European Union’s EUDR law, which mandates businesses importing commodities linked to deforestation, including coffee, to provide due diligence statements affirming their contributions to forest preservation post-December 31, 2020.

In November 2024, the Council of the EU decided to delay the law’s implementation due to concerns regarding the preparedness of coffee producers, as well as worries regarding the impact on coffee supply chains and potential market access loss for farmers. Costa Rica is proactive in ensuring its coffee exports comply with EUDR requirements.

In March 2024, the United Nations Development Programme reported Costa Rica’s first shipment of deforestation-free coffee to Europe, with 275 bags shipped to Italy’s illycaffè. Subsequently, auditor Enveritas confirmed that Aquiares Estate, the largest Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee farm in Costa Rica, exported EUDR-compliant coffee to Nomad Coffee in Barcelona. Presently, over 27,300 family groups produce coffee in Costa Rica, with 85% being smallholder farmers, making coffee the country’s third-largest export after medical equipment and fruit.

The recent shift in Costa Rica’s coffee export market, with Europe overtaking the US, signifies a potential transition in global trade dynamics and emphasizes quality over quantity among producers. The implications of the EUDR law and compliance efforts by Costa Rican farmers could enhance opportunities for sustainable coffee exports. As the landscape of international coffee trade evolves, stakeholders continue to focus on ensuring adherence to environmental standards while maintaining market access.

Original Source: www.worldcoffeeportal.com