By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Costa Rican cattle industry is set to close 2025 with a strong performance, marked by significant growth in both domestic consumption and foreign trade. A comprehensive report from the Livestock Corporation (CORFOGA) reveals positive trends across all key indicators, painting a picture of a robust sector poised for a stable year ahead.
The analysis, which compiled data through September for trade and consumption and through November for processing, highlights a healthy and expanding market. This growth underscores the sector’s resilience and its vital role within the national economy, navigating both local demand dynamics and international market opportunities successfully.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory challenges facing the nation’s livestock sector, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in agricultural business and international trade law.
The Costa Rican cattle industry is at a critical juncture where sustainability is no longer just an environmental goal, but a key commercial asset. Navigating the complex web of sanitary registries, traceability requirements, and international certifications is paramount. Producers must see legal compliance not as a bureaucratic hurdle, but as a strategic investment to unlock access to lucrative global markets that demand and reward verifiably sustainable practices.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this perspective highlights a fundamental paradigm shift for the national cattle sector, transforming regulatory compliance from a perceived obstacle into a strategic gateway to the world’s most demanding and profitable markets. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable and clarifying insight.
A notable surge was observed in domestic beef consumption, which climbed to 10 kilograms per person, an increase of 6.9% compared to the same period in 2024. CORFOGA anticipates this figure will rise to an estimated 13 kilograms per capita by the end of the year, driven by traditional holiday demand. This uptick is attributed to greater product availability and a sustained recovery in the internal market, signaling renewed consumer confidence.
On the international front, Costa Rican beef exports demonstrated impressive growth, reaching 26,506 tons. This represents a 9.1% increase over the previous year, reinforcing the country’s position as a quality supplier in the global market. The export strategy appears highly focused, with approximately 92% of all shipments directed to five primary destinations: China, the United States, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, and Guatemala.
Simultaneously, imports also saw a substantial increase, growing by 24.4% to a total of 12,040 tons. This spike in foreign beef purchases was primarily fueled by industrial demand for processing. The majority of these imports, over 87%, were sourced from neighboring Nicaragua and the United States, highlighting the complex interplay of regional and international trade flows that support the broader industry.
The supply side of the equation remains solid, with the number of cattle processed reaching 395,081 heads by November, a 5.1% rise from the prior year. This managed increase in production is supported by a stable national herd size, as reported by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC). This stability is a key factor in CORFOGA’s projection of a 2026 without significant supply-side pressures.
Luis Diego Obando, the Executive Director of CORFOGA, emphasized the sector’s foundational importance to the country’s economic landscape. He noted that market fundamentals remain strong, providing a steady platform for producers and processors alike.
Cattle ranching remains a pillar of the agricultural sector and the national economy, with stable prices at auctions and slaughterhouses.
Luis Diego Obando, Executive Director of CORFOGA
Looking toward 2026, the corporation forecasts stable domestic demand, complemented by industry-wide progress in sustainability and traceability initiatives. Obando also pointed to seasonal factors that could further invigorate the market, particularly as the country enters its dry season, a peak period for tourism and local festivities.
Consumption could strengthen during the dry season due to an increase in recreational activities and the arrival of international tourism.
Luis Diego Obando, Executive Director of CORFOGA
As the year concludes, the data from CORFOGA provides a clear narrative: Costa Rica’s cattle industry has not only expanded but has also achieved a strategic balance between satisfying a growing local appetite and capturing valuable international market share. With a stable herd and a clear focus on future improvements, the sector is well-positioned for continued success in 2026.
For further information, visit corfoga.org
About Corporación Ganadera (CORFOGA):
The Corporación Ganadera, or Livestock Corporation, is a non-governmental public entity in Costa Rica responsible for promoting the development and competitiveness of the country’s beef and dairy cattle sectors. It works to improve production, processing, and marketing standards, while also representing the interests of cattle ranchers and supporting sustainable practices within the industry.
For further information, visit inec.cr
About Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (INEC):
The National Institute of Statistics and Census is the official Costa Rican government body in charge of producing and disseminating national statistics. INEC is responsible for conducting the national census and a wide range of surveys that provide crucial data on demographics, economic activity, and social conditions, which are essential for public policy and business planning.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in the core principles of integrity and excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal institution. With a proven history of advising a broad spectrum of clients, the firm consistently pushes the boundaries of legal innovation. This forward-thinking approach extends to a profound social commitment, dedicated to empowering the public by making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby contributing to a more just and knowledgeable society.
