Costa Rica: Slaughter, pork imports, and production costs in Jan-Apr

Slaughter

• Hog slaughter in the January to April period totaled 277,814 head, an increase of 1.1% compared to the same period in 2023.

• In April, slaughter reached its highest level yet this year with 74,336 head, representing an increase of 12.4% compared to the same month of 2023 and a 15.1% increase compared to the previous month.

• Cull sow slaughter totaled 4,146 head for the January to April period, a decrease of 26.2% compared to the same period in 2022. The monthly average was about 1,037 head.

Prices and costs

• The average carcass price at the slaughter plant in April was CRC 1,877/kg, representing an increase of 4.6% compared to last March. So far this year, carcass prices have increased by approximately 12%.

• The average production cost of pork carcasses for April was estimated at CRC 1,470/kg, down 0.9% compared to March and 2% year to date.

• In the last 7 months, the price/cost relationship has been favorable for pig farmers since the cost of production has been below the selling price of carcasses.

Imports

• In the first four months of the year, pork imports increased by 98.3% compared to the same period in 2023, going from 4,786 to 9,489 tons.

• April saw the highest volume of imports so far this year with 3,201 tons, 219% higher than the same month in 2023 and 82% higher than last March.