By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a stunning display of economic transformation, Costa Rica has firmly established itself as one of the world’s most competitive and innovative hubs for medical technology manufacturing. A new analysis by the Foreign Trade Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) reveals that the nation’s high-tech product exports have quadrupled in less than a decade, driven overwhelmingly by the sophisticated medical devices sector.
The comprehensive study, titled “The World’s Health is Made in Costa Rica,” details an unprecedented period of growth. Between 2020 and 2024, the country’s medical device exports surged at an average annual rate of 22%, culminating in a record $8.675 billion last year. This performance has propelled Costa Rica to become the 10th largest global exporter of medical devices and, remarkably, the number one exporter on a per capita basis, underscoring the industry’s profound impact on its economy.
To better understand the regulatory landscape and legal implications for Costa Rica’s thriving medical device industry, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has solidified its position as a global leader in medical device manufacturing by harmonizing stringent international regulatory standards with a pro-investment legal framework. For companies operating here, the key is not just navigating the initial setup in our Free Trade Zones, but ensuring continuous compliance with evolving health regulations and robustly protecting their intellectual property, which is the cornerstone of their competitive advantage in this highly innovative sector.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores that the long-term success of medical device operations here depends on mastering the ongoing interplay between regulatory compliance and the protection of intellectual property. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable insight into this crucial dynamic.
The momentum has only accelerated in 2025. According to PROCOMER data, by October of this year, the sector had already exported $9.199 billion worth of goods. This figure represents a staggering 30% year-over-year increase and means the industry surpassed its entire 2024 export total with two months still remaining in the year. Medical devices now account for 48% of all goods exported from Costa Rica, signaling a definitive shift toward a high-value, knowledge-based economy.
This export success is mirrored by the country’s ability to attract specialized global investment. Costa Rica now captures 52% of all new investments in the medical device industry across Latin America and has become the third-largest global recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) projects in the sector. More than 100 leading international companies from the United States, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and Japan have established operations, specializing in advanced fields such as cardiology, orthopedics, endoscopy, and advanced surgical solutions.
Costa Rica is a country that exports diversity of talent, of capabilities, and of solutions that improve lives around the world. This industry demonstrates that our capacity to innovate and generate cutting-edge technology knows no borders. Our country not only attracts specialized investment but also manufactures and exports products of the highest added value, thanks to a unique value proposition that combines stability, human talent, and a commitment to quality.
Laura López, General Manager of the Foreign Trade Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER)
The nation’s export portfolio is both broad and deep, encompassing 164 distinct products shipped to 88 different markets. The leading categories include needles, catheters, and cannulas, which make up 41.5% of the total, followed by other specialized medical devices (30.8%) and medical prosthetics (14.5%). While the United States remains the primary destination, receiving 66.5% of these exports, European markets such as the Netherlands and Belgium are increasingly significant partners.
The PROCOMER study highlights that this success is not accidental but the result of a carefully cultivated ecosystem built over three decades. Key pillars of this foundation include the country’s long-standing economic, political, and social stability, a competitive and renewable energy grid, and a highly specialized and skilled workforce. This is supported by high-level productive infrastructure and a robust local supply chain featuring specialists in molds, metalworking, plastics, and precision assembly, fostering knowledge transfer and elevating national standards.
The consolidation of the medical device sector is a structural pillar of Costa Rica’s national development. Its multiplier effects are evident in the creation of qualified jobs, the integration of more local suppliers into global value chains, and enhanced technological transfer. As international demand continues to grow, the strong collaboration between PROCOMER, private industry, and academia positions Costa Rica for sustained expansion and leadership in the global health industry.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Agency of Costa Rica (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica – PROCOMER) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It works to facilitate international trade, attract foreign direct investment, and support the internationalization of Costa Rican companies, thereby contributing to the country’s economic development and global competitiveness.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in unshakeable principles of integrity and professional excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community. The firm consistently pioneers modern legal solutions, drawing upon a rich history of serving a diverse clientele across many sectors. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to social progress, actively working to democratize legal knowledge in its pursuit of fostering a more capable and informed citizenry.
