Between 2017 and 2018, milk sales from Costa Rica to Panama fell 24%, explained by increased competition, while exports to Guatemala and the Dominican Republic increased 21% and 13%, respectively.
According to figures from the Promotora del Comercio Exterior (Procomer), between 2017 and 2018 sales to Panama of milk and cream not concentrated and concentrated registered a 24% decline, falling from $7.5 million to $5.6 million.
According to the sector's union, in 2017 consumption of milk and its derivatives reached 212 liters per capita, 33% above the level recommended by international health agencies.
According to the National Chamber of Milk Producers (Caprole), growth in milk production recorded in the country in recent years, is explained by an increase in domestic demand and a rise in exports to Central America and the Caribbean.
The total amount of exported kilos of milk rose from 76 million in 2013 to 92 million in 2014, with the number one destination being Central America, mainly Guatemala and El Salvador.
Data from the National Chamber of Milk Producers (Caprole) indicates that after Guatemala and El Salvador, the rest of the isthmus is the main market for exports of Costa Rican milk, but the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Venezuela are beginning to have greater preponderance among the markets where milk produced in Costa Rica arrives.
Annual consumption per person increased from 182 liters in 2005 to 202 liters in 2013, while domestic production increased 18% between 2009 and last year.
Increased consumption of yogurt, ice cream, cheese, sour cream and flavored milks explains much of the increase in sales of milk products in general in recent years and the increase in national milk production, which rose from 890,000 tonnes in 2009 to 1,055,000 tons in 2013, according to the National Association of Milk Producers.
The international price of milk decreased by 60%, impacting Costa Rican dairy producers.
The decline in world prices is attributed to a decline in product demand, a consequence of the crisis.
According to an article published in Nacion.com, Erick Montero, executive director of the National Chamber of Milk Producers, “warned that the sector faces two other problems: the impact of the rains in February and the high cost of raw materials, making it difficult to reduce the local price."