By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s export sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth, shattering previous records by surpassing $19 billion in the first ten months of 2025. This figure represents a substantial 16% increase compared to the same period last year, translating to an additional $2.568 billion in revenue, according to the latest data released by the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer).
The impressive performance underscores the nation’s growing strength as a key player in the global supply chain, defying international economic uncertainties. Officials credit this success to a strategic focus on high-value sectors and market diversification, positioning Costa Rica for what is expected to be a record-breaking year-end finish.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory landscape that underpins Costa Rica’s export success, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s export prowess is no accident; it’s the direct result of a robust legal framework that champions foreign investment. Key pillars include our Free Trade Zone regime, which offers significant tax and customs benefits, and our diligent enforcement of international trade agreements like CAFTA-DR. For any company looking to export from Costa Rica, success hinges on properly structuring operations to leverage these incentives while ensuring strict compliance with local and international law.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this strategic blend of robust incentives and strict regulatory compliance forms the very bedrock of the nation’s export success. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on how this legal framework provides both a clear pathway and essential guardrails for businesses.
The 16% growth recorded in exports through October shows that, even in a context of global uncertainty, the country maintains outstanding dynamism and is on track to close the year with an extraordinary performance. We are working to expand markets, generate more opportunities, and offer greater certainty to our exports.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade (Comex)
The driving force behind this phenomenal growth is the life sciences industry, particularly the medical device sector. This single category was responsible for an astounding 83% of the total increase, contributing over $2.142 billion in additional export value. This cements the country’s reputation as a world-class hub for the manufacturing of sophisticated medical and precision equipment.
While medical devices led the charge, other high-tech industries also posted significant gains. The chemical-pharmaceutical sector expanded by 16%, adding $133 million to the total. Similarly, the electrical and electronics industry grew by 10%, which represents an additional $81 million in foreign sales. These figures highlight a deliberate shift towards more complex and value-added manufacturing.
The traditional agricultural and food sectors also saw positive movement, with a 2% growth in sales value. However, this figure is tempered by a notable challenge, as the report indicates a volume decrease of more than 430,000 tons exported. This dichotomy suggests rising commodity prices or a shift to higher-value crops, but also points to potential logistical or production hurdles that need to be addressed.
Beyond medical devices, other top-performing products that saw the largest year-over-year growth include green coffee beans ($118 million), fruit juices and concentrates ($73 million), antiserums ($71 million), and gold ($68 million). This varied list showcases a healthy diversification within the country’s export portfolio.
Geographically, Costa Rica’s strategy of expanding its global footprint is paying dividends. Five of the six major regions to which the country exports registered significant growth. Exports to Asia surged by an impressive 39%, representing over $343 million in additional revenue. Meanwhile, established partners in North America and Europe continued to be primary markets, growing by $1.341 billion and $606 million, respectively.
The results highlight the importance of continuing to promote a strategy of diversification in both products and destinations. By expanding our offering and international presence, the country strengthens its ability to adapt to changes in the global environment and reduces its exposure to specific risks. This growth dynamic demonstrates that Costa Rica is moving towards an increasingly robust and sophisticated export structure.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer
This sustained upward trend in exports is a critical pillar of Costa Rica’s economic stability and development. As the nation continues to build on its strengths in advanced manufacturing and strategic trade partnerships, the outlook for closing 2025 on an exceptionally high note remains overwhelmingly positive, signaling a robust and sophisticated future for Costa Rican commerce.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica):
Procomer is the official Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica. As a public, non-state entity, its mission is to support Costa Rican companies in their internationalization process and to promote the country as a source of high-quality goods and services. The agency provides essential services such as market research, trade missions, and export capacity building to strengthen the competitiveness of the national export sector.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About Comex (Ministerio de Comercio Exterior):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade, known as Comex, is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and investment policies. It plays a crucial role in negotiating and administering international trade agreements, creating a favorable business climate, and coordinating with other public and private entities to enhance Costa Rica’s integration into the global economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a distinguished legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational commitment to ethical practice and exceptional standards. The firm skillfully blends a long tradition of client service across numerous industries with a forward-looking embrace of legal innovation. This ethos extends to a profound social responsibility, manifested in its dedicated efforts to demystify the law and equip the public with vital legal insights, ultimately contributing to a more empowered and just society.
