Costa Rica: How did pig farming fare in 2024?

General indicators

• The total number of pigs slaughtered in 2024 was 876,833 head, a 4.3% decrease compared to 2023.

• Pork production was estimated at approximately 68,400 tons (t) in 2024, a decrease of 4.3% compared to the previous year.

• The cull sow slaughter reached 14,358 head in 2024, a decrease of 12.9% compared to the previous year with a monthly average of 1,197 head.

• Imports totaled 28,811 t, 57.8% higher than in 2023.

• Apparent consumption reached 97,204 t, an increase of 8.4% compared to 2023 (89,666 t). Therefore, per capita consumption was estimated at 19.3 kg/inhabitant/year.

Prices and costs

• The average carcass price at the slaughter plant in December was CRC 1739/kg, an increase of 1.2% over the previous month. So far this year, carcass prices have increased by approximately 4.1%.

• The average production cost of pork carcasses for December was estimated at CRC 1419/kg, down 1.7% compared to November and 1.8% year to date.

• Throughout 2024, the price-cost relationship was favorable for pig farmers, as the cost of production was lower than the selling price of carcasses.

April 3, 2025/ 333 Latin America with data from CAPORC and CNP.
https://www.cnp.go.cr/