Understanding Tea
Costa Rica’s Tea Trade: Exports and Imports
Costa Rica, a picturesque nation adorned with lush rainforests and breathtaking coastlines, is not only famous for its natural wonders but also for its contributions to the global tea trade. While not among the leading tea exporters or importers, Costa Rica’s role in the tea industry highlights its position as an emerging player in the world of tea.
Tea Exports from Costa Rica
In 2021, Costa Rica exported $1.06M worth of tea, establishing itself as the 83rd largest tea exporter globally. Although tea does not top the list of Costa Rica’s most exported products, its presence in the export market shows the country’s growing interest in the beverage industry.
Among the destinations for Costa Rica’s tea exports, neighboring countries played a significant role in consuming Costa Rican tea. Nicaragua emerged as the primary destination, importing tea worth $644k. El Salvador followed closely with $209k, while Guatemala, Panama, and Honduras collectively imported tea valued at $93.5k, $42.5k, and $26.4k, respectively.
Costa Rica experienced substantial growth in tea exports to Canada, the Dominican Republic, and the United States between 2020 and 2021. The value of tea exports to Canada increased by $8.27k, indicating a growing demand for Costa Rican tea in this North American nation. Similarly, the Dominican Republic and the United States showed rising interest, importing an additional $8.04k and $6.05k worth of Costa Rican tea, respectively.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Asia | Oman | 2,916 |
| Europe | Switzerland | 413 |
| Europe | Czechia | 79 |
| Europe | Denmark | 1 |
| Europe | Ireland | 6 |
| Europe | Poland | 100 |
| North America | Antigua and Barbuda | 516 |
| North America | Canada | 8,275 |
| North America | Curaçao | 742 |
| North America | Dominican Republic | 22,574 |
| North America | Guatemala | 93,543 |
| North America | Honduras | 26,405 |
| North America | Nicaragua | 643,958 |
| North America | Panama | 42,547 |
| North America | El Salvador | 209,438 |
| North America | United States | 12,832 |
| South America | Chile | 90 |
Tea Imports to Costa Rica
As a country known for its coffee plantations, Costa Rica is not solely reliant on its own tea production to satisfy the demands of its tea-loving population. In 2021, Costa Rica imported $1.53M worth of tea, ranking as the 134th largest tea importer in the world. The country’s tea imports reflect its willingness to embrace a diverse range of tea flavors from around the globe.
Poland stood out as the primary supplier of tea to Costa Rica, contributing a significant $477k to the country’s tea imports. The United States, Ecuador, Spain, and Japan also played pivotal roles in fulfilling Costa Rica’s tea demands, with imports worth $384k, $130k, $117k, and $92.4k, respectively.
During the same period, Costa Rica experienced remarkable growth in tea imports from Poland, Japan, and Spain. Compared to the previous year, Costa Rica’s tea imports from Poland witnessed an impressive increase of $175k, highlighting the rising popularity of Polish tea in the country. Furthermore, tea imports from Japan and Spain saw significant growth, contributing an additional $32.1k and $28.4k, respectively.
| Continent | Country | Trade Value |
| Africa | South Africa | 402 |
| Asia | China | 51,856 |
| Asia | Hong Kong | 244 |
| Asia | India | 44,476 |
| Asia | Japan | 92,386 |
| Asia | Sri Lanka | 54,466 |
| Asia | Malaysia | 234 |
| Asia | Singapore | 6 |
| Asia | Turkey | 10 |
| Asia | Chinese Taipei | 12,140 |
| Europe | Germany | 53,390 |
| Europe | Spain | 117,083 |
| Europe | France | 142 |
| Europe | United Kingdom | 30,632 |
| Europe | Ireland | 4 |
| Europe | Italy | 8,001 |
| Europe | Netherlands | 15 |
| Europe | Poland | 477,079 |
| Europe | Sweden | 1,199 |
| North America | Canada | 2,771 |
| North America | Guatemala | 22 |
| North America | Mexico | 45,268 |
| North America | United States | 384,301 |
| South America | Chile | 23,842 |
| South America | Colombia | 1,362 |
| South America | Ecuador | 130,472 |
An Evolving Tea Culture
Costa Rica’s tea trade may not boast record-breaking numbers, but it signifies the country’s evolution in embracing a vibrant tea culture. As tea continues to capture hearts and palates worldwide, Costa Rica’s position as an emerging player in the tea trade exemplifies its commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse world of tea.
With its scenic landscapes and warm hospitality, Costa Rica offers the perfect backdrop for tea enthusiasts to savor a delightful cup of their favorite brew. As the country further integrates itself into the global tea community, its tea exports and imports open doors to cultural exchanges, fostering connections with tea lovers across borders.
In conclusion, Costa Rica’s tea trade exemplifies its journey towards becoming an active participant in the global tea market. With a focus on both exports and imports, Costa Rica stands at the cusp of a flourishing tea culture, where traditional tea blends and innovative flavors harmoniously coexist. As tea aficionados in Costa Rica and beyond savor the taste of this beloved beverage, the world of tea continues to thrive with new possibilities, fueled by countries like Costa Rica that are eager to contribute to its ever-expanding horizon.
Data: BACI