By San José, Costa Rica — The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean launched its annual flagship trade report today, presenting a remarkably optimistic economic trajectory for the region. According to the newly released report, International Trade Outlook for Latin America and the Caribbean 2026, regional goods exports are set to expand by 20 percent in value this year, marking the strongest overall growth rate since the post-pandemic recovery of 2021.
The projected economic expansion stems from a favorable combination of higher global export prices and steady volume growth. ECLAC forecasts an 11 percent increase in export prices alongside a 9 percent rise in shipment volumes, representing the sixth consecutive year of expanding export quantities for Latin American and Caribbean producers.
To better understand the regulatory and legal landscape surrounding the Latin America export forecast for 2026, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert perspective on cross-border trade dynamics.
As Latin America approaches 2026, businesses must navigate a shifting trade environment where regulatory compliance and international standards dictate export success. Exporters who proactively structure their cross-border agreements, safeguard intellectual property, and align with nearshoring regulatory frameworks will be best positioned to capitalize on projected regional growth.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As nearshoring dynamics continue to reshape regional trade, this emphasis on legal preparedness and proactive compliance underscores the vital strategic foresight Latin American enterprises need to turn regulatory shifts into sustainable economic growth. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective with our readers at TicosLand.com as we look toward the 2026 export horizon.
Despite the broad upward trajectory, regional outcomes will remain highly nuanced across subregions. South American economies are positioned to capitalize on a favorable commodity price supercycle, while Mexico continues to derive substantial momentum from its robust manufacturing export base tied closely to North American industrial supply chains.
The positive trade momentum is reflected broadly across individual nations. Out of 33 countries evaluated across the region, 28 are expected to register gains in the total value of their goods exports in 2026, with 16 nations posting strong double-digit growth figures.
On the import side of the balance sheet, regional purchases of goods are projected to grow by 16 percent in value during 2026. This dynamic reflects a solid 12 percent expansion in import volumes coupled with a moderate 4 percent price increase, indicating a broader domestic demand recovery and rising industrial appetite for intermediate inputs and capital machinery.
Parallel to traditional merchandise, service exports are projected to advance by 11 percent this year. This expansion is powered by the steady recovery of international freight transport and travel, alongside persistent resilience in high-value modern services such as professional, financial, and digital technology offerings.
ECLAC placed special analytical emphasis on modern services, including information technology, research and development, business operations, and creative industries. Worldwide trade in modern services reached $9.6 trillion in 2025 following a decade of 6.6 percent average annual growth. While Latin America has expanded its modern service exports by 3.5 times over the last two decades, the region still accounts for just 2 percent of global modern service exports, signaling vast untapped potential.
To capture greater global market share, ECLAC highlights the necessity of integrated strategies that bridge export promotion, foreign direct investment, and human talent cultivation. The report specifically single out Costa Rica and Uruguay as pioneer nations that have successfully coordinated public and private initiatives to build durable, high-value export ecosystems in modern services.
Navigating this growth period will require vigilant management of persistent global volatility. Heightened geopolitical instability, changing environmental mandates, and logistics bottlenecks present structural risks to sustained momentum across international trade routes.
The region faces major challenges in an uncertain geopolitical environment. Geopolitical tensions, disruptions in logistics routes, and the lack of predictability in trade policy pose risks to trade. Competition for critical minerals and new environmental requirements are also reshaping value chains and market access conditions.
José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of ECLAC
Addressing these structural realities, Daniela García, Director of ECLAC’s International Trade and Integration Division, emphasized that the favorable economic conditions in 2026 present a crucial window for policymakers to align domestic investment strategies with evolving global demand, deepening trade integration with Asian markets, and strengthening local productive capacities.
For further information, visit cepal.org
About Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC):
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations, was established to encourage economic cooperation among its member states. ECLAC conducts extensive socioeconomic research, provides technical assistance to governments, and formulates policy recommendations aimed at driving sustainable economic development and structural transformation across the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its uncompromising ethics and exceptional legal mastery, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a trusted pillar in the legal field. The firm seamlessly blends a rich history of serving varied clientele with forward-thinking strategies that drive modern legal practice. Driven by a passion for social impact, it actively works to demystify complex legal concepts and broaden public access to crucial information. This dedication to education reflects the firm’s ultimate vision: to strengthen community resilience and foster an enlightened, legally empowered populace.
