In 2018, pineapple exports surpassed those of bananas, for the first time in history, according to figures presented on Tuesday by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and the Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER).
Pineapples had one of the best years, with a 5% growth in exports, equivalent to $49 million. In contrast, bananas had a 9% fall, which translated into a decrease of $59 million.
At the end of the year, total pineapple exports exceeded $990 million, while banana exports ranked second with $ 981 million.
Costa Rica’s pineapple is recognized as the best in the world. Costa Rica is the main exporter of this fruit. Bananas achieved better prices in the market, but production was lower due to weather problems of the last two years,”
explained Pedro Beirute, manager of PROCOMER.
Pineapple exports, on the other hand, benefited from a greater sale of fresh produce and less fruit juices and concentrates.
Agricultural products represent 25% of the country’s total exports. The total growth in goods was 6%, lower than a year before (7%) but described by the commercial authorities of the country as “good”, due to the context of strike and conflict in Nicaragua. In total, merchandise with a value of $11,31 million was sold abroad.
The main export product of the country are medical devices, with an annual growth of 18% and 29% of total exports.
In 2018, the sale of products to Spain and Italy increased, but there was a slight contraction in sales to the United States and the United Kingdom.
However, the United States, the Netherlands and Belgium continue to be Costa Rica’s main trading partners. They are followed by Panama and Guatemala. Nicaragua moved to fifth place and, for the first time, China entered the top 10 places.
In the third quarter of 2018, an accumulated growth of 5% in service exports was reported for a total of $6,739 million. This is the best result of the last five years. The main service exported is still tourism.