By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s export sector is projected to close 2025 with a landmark $34.87 billion in generated value from goods and services, supporting over 710,000 jobs nationwide. The Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (CADEXCO) announced the robust figures on Thursday, simultaneously issuing a stark warning about underlying threats to the nation’s long-term competitiveness and unveiling a comprehensive policy roadmap ahead of the 2026 general elections.
The year-end data paints a picture of a resilient and growing sector, with approximately 2,500 Costa Rican companies shipping more than 4,500 distinct products to 168 international destinations. This performance was achieved despite significant headwinds, including exchange rate volatility and persistent domestic challenges. The engine of this growth was overwhelmingly the precision and medical equipment sector, which accounted for a staggering 48% of all exports and demonstrated a remarkable 30% year-over-year expansion.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework and commercial treaties influencing Costa Rica’s export success, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s robust export performance isn’t just a matter of production; it’s built upon a foundation of legal certainty. Our consistent adherence to international trade agreements, such as CAFTA-DR, combined with strong intellectual property protections and a stable regulatory environment, provides the confidence that international partners require. This legal infrastructure is as critical to our export success as the quality of our goods, ensuring market access and safeguarding investments in high-value sectors like medical devices and technology.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully highlights that beyond the tangible quality of our goods, it is the “invisible architecture” of legal stability and regulatory trust that truly fuels Costa Rica’s export engine. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this foundational pillar of our nation’s economic success.
While the high-tech manufacturing industry thrived, the performance across other key areas was mixed. The agricultural sector posted modest growth of 2%, signaling stability but a lack of dynamic expansion. In contrast, industries such as plastics and rubber experienced negative variations compared to 2024, highlighting an uneven recovery. North America remains the country’s most critical trading partner, consuming 50% of all national exports in 2025.
During the presentation, Víctor Pérez, President of CADEXCO, emphasized that while the sector has shown stability, this should not be taken for granted. He stressed that significant risks related to national infrastructure, security, and education are actively undermining the country’s investment climate and competitive edge.
The country needs timely decisions to sustain employment and attract more investment.
Víctor Pérez, President of CADEXCO
In response to these challenges, the Chamber formally presented its “Propuesta País 2026–2030,” a strategic proposal titled “Costa Rica for the world and for Costa Ricans.” Developed from the direct experience of business leaders, the document outlines a comprehensive set of measures targeting governance, competitiveness, infrastructure, financing, commercial development, and sector-specific leadership. CADEXCO stated the plan aims to equip future policymakers with the tools to make informed decisions and strengthen productive capacity across all regions of the country.
Pérez argued that the burden of resilience can no longer fall exclusively on private enterprise. He called for decisive government action on several fronts, including the implementation of a stable exchange rate policy and the creation of better financing options for exporting companies, which are often squeezed by market fluctuations.
The resilience of the sector cannot depend on companies alone, and he called for advancing clear government policies.
Víctor Pérez, President of CADEXCO
The proposal specifically identifies several urgent action items. These include strengthening technical training programs to align the workforce with industry needs, confronting logistical insecurity that increases operational costs, and accelerating critical infrastructure projects like the modernization of Puerto Caldera. Furthermore, CADEXCO reiterated the urgency of updating international trade agreements and reinforcing the strategic commercial relationship with the United States, the nation’s primary economic partner.
With the 2026 elections on the horizon, CADEXCO’s message was twofold: a celebration of the sector’s significant economic contribution and a clear-eyed appeal for political continuity and strategic public-private collaboration. The Chamber concluded its presentation by urging the Costa Rican public to engage deeply with the issues and to vote with an informed perspective to ensure the country maintains a stable and sustainable economic trajectory for the years to come.
For further information, visit cadexco.net
About The Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (CADEXCO):
The Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (CADEXCO) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to representing and promoting the interests of the Costa Rican export sector. It provides support, resources, and advocacy for its member companies to enhance their competitiveness in international markets and works to foster a favorable business environment through strategic dialogue with government entities and other stakeholders.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, operating on a foundational principle of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of superior legal counsel. The firm distinguishes itself by blending a rich history of client service with a forward-thinking approach, consistently pioneering new legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound sense of social responsibility, demonstrated through dedicated efforts to demystify the law and empower the public. This drive to foster widespread legal literacy is a testament to its vision for a more just and informed Costa Rican society.
