When butterfly pupae arrive at your exhibit—emerging days later in a burst of vibrant life—it’s easy to overlook the complex, global web that brought them there. Behind each delicate chrysalis is a network of breeders and exporters, many of whom are facing a growing, often invisible challenge: exchange rate fluctuations.
For exporters in Costa Rica, this challenge has become increasingly pressing. Over the last few years, the Costa Rican colón (CRC) has strengthened significantly against the U.S. dollar—the currency used for international butterfly trade. While this may sound like good news for the country’s economy on the surface, it poses real financial stress for local exporters.
📉 What’s Happening with the Costa Rican Colón?
Between 2021 and 2025, the value of the U.S. dollar has decreased by nearly 18% when exchanged into Costa Rican colones.
To illustrate:
In 2021, $1 USD equaled about ₡621 CRC.
In 2025, $1 USD gets you only ₡509 CRC.
That’s ₡112 fewer colones per dollar earned.
For butterfly pupae exporters in Costa Rica, who receive most of their revenue in U.S. dollars, this means that the same sale in dollars now translates into significantly less income in their local currency.
💼 Real Impact: Exporters Pay Local, Earn Foreign
Imagine a Costa Rican butterfly exporter who sells pupae to a North American exhibit for $1,000 per shipment:
In 2021, that brought in ₡621,000.
In 2025, it only brings in ₡509,000.
But their local costs—staff wages, breeder payments, packaging, fuel—are all paid in colones, and those costs haven’t gone down. In many cases, they’ve increased due to local inflation.
This creates a profit squeeze, where:
Every dollar earned buys less at home.
Exporters struggle to maintain breeder payments.
Reinvesting in quality control, logistics, and infrastructure becomes harder.
🌍 Comparing Costa Rica to Other Exporting Countries
Let’s compare Costa Rica’s situation to other major butterfly-exporting countries over the same 2021–2025 period:
| Country | USD Local Value Change | Impact for Exporters |
|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | -18% (USD depreciated) | Lower local income per USD; financial strain. |
| Colombia | +10% (USD appreciated) | Higher local returns; exporters benefit. |
| Philippines | +12% (USD appreciated) | More pesos per USD; improved profitability. |
| Malaysia | +1% (mild change) | Relatively stable environment. |
| Kenya | +18% (USD appreciated) | Strong gain for local exporters. |
Costa Rican exporters are in a uniquely disadvantageous position. While exporters in countries like Kenya and the Philippines are seeing more local currency per dollar, Costa Ricans are seeing less.
🦋 Why This Matters to Butterfly Exhibitions
Butterfly exhibits rely on consistent, healthy pupae supply. That means supporting the sustainability of the very breeders and exporters who make these experiences possible.
The strengthening Costa Rican colón means:
Exporters are earning less while facing higher costs.
They may struggle to maintain breeder networks, especially rural families who depend on pupae sales.
There’s pressure to increase prices just to maintain margins—but many hesitate, concerned about losing clients.
This exchange-rate reality is often unseen by clients, but it directly impacts service levels, consistency, and long-term relationships.
💡 How Can Exhibits Support Their Partners?
Acknowledge the exchange rate impact: Understanding this issue helps frame pricing and service discussions.
Be open to modest price adjustments: Exporters aren’t seeking higher profits—they’re often trying to preserve viability.
Strengthen partnerships: Consider multi-year purchase agreements or off-season orders to provide exporters with stability.
Communicate with empathy: Recognize that macroeconomic forces beyond anyone’s control can hit small exporters hard.
🌱 Final Thought
Costa Rica has long been a leader in butterfly pupae exports, thanks to its rich biodiversity and decades of dedication from breeders and exporters. But no matter how strong the passion, they can’t fight global currency trends alone.
By understanding the story behind the colón—and its real impact on exporters—clients and exhibits can help ensure the continued flight of butterflies around the world.
