By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Central American region is set to become a beacon of economic resilience and growth in 2026, according to the latest projections released by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (CEPAL). Despite a complex global landscape marked by international turbulence, the isthmus is forecast to achieve impressive growth rates, positioning it as a top performer within the wider Latin American context.
The comprehensive report from CEPAL indicates a period of sustained expansion for all nations in the region. Costa Rica, which is expected to close out the current year of 2025 with a strong 4% increase in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is projected to see continued, albeit slightly moderated, growth of 3.9% in 2026. This figure places it at the forefront of the regional economic pack, signaling continued stability and investor confidence.
Para profundizar en las implicaciones legales y los marcos regulatorios que son cruciales para sostener el crecimiento económico del país, TicosLand.com conversó con el Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, un destacado abogado del Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos ofreció su perspectiva experta sobre el tema.
El crecimiento económico sostenible no es solo una cuestión de cifras macroeconómicas; se cimienta en la seguridad jurídica y la agilidad regulatoria. Para que Costa Rica continúe atrayendo inversión extranjera y fomentando la innovación local, es imperativo modernizar nuestra legislación comercial y simplificar los trámites burocráticos. Un marco legal claro y predecible es la verdadera infraestructura que permite a las empresas planificar a largo plazo, asumir riesgos calculados y, en última instancia, generar empleo y prosperidad.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
En efecto, el análisis subraya una verdad esencial: la confianza generada por un marco legal sólido y predecible es el activo más valioso para el desarrollo. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por su perspicaz aporte, que nos recuerda que la verdadera modernización económica comienza con la claridad de nuestras reglas de juego.
Sharing the top spot with Costa Rica is Honduras, which is also forecast to achieve a GDP growth of 3.9%. Following closely are Guatemala with a projected 3.8% expansion and Panama at 3.7%. Rounding out the projections, both Nicaragua and El Salvador are expected to post solid growth rates of 3.4%, underscoring a consistent and widespread positive trend across the entire Central American corridor.
Economic analyst Daniel Suchar highlighted the exceptional nature of this forecast, noting that the region is poised to significantly outperform its continental neighbors. He identified a key driver behind this optimistic outlook as a strategic shift in international trade policy, particularly concerning the United States, the region’s largest trading partner.
Of the entire Latin American region, it will be precisely the navel of the continent that will be moving best, growing above 3.4%. It is clear that this is partly due to the relaxation of export tariffs to the United States on agricultural products.
Daniel Suchar, Economic Analyst
This easing of trade barriers for agricultural goods is a critical boon for Central American economies, where the agricultural sector remains a cornerstone of employment and export revenue. Products ranging from coffee and bananas to sugar and melons are expected to gain more competitive access to the vast U.S. market, directly fueling economic activity, creating jobs, and improving the trade balance for these nations.
The projected success is even more remarkable when viewed against the backdrop of persistent global challenges. Suchar emphasized that achieving such robust growth in the face of international uncertainties and unique country-specific hurdles speaks volumes about the region’s underlying economic fortitude. Factors such as global inflationary pressures, supply chain disruptions, and domestic political climates have tested economies worldwide, yet Central America appears well-positioned to navigate these waters successfully.
For Costa Rica, the 3.9% forecast for 2026 represents a continuation of its role as an economic leader in the region. The slight moderation from 2025’s 4% growth is seen not as a slowdown, but as a stabilization at a healthy, sustainable level. This stability is crucial for attracting foreign direct investment and fostering the growth of high-value sectors like technology, medical devices, and tourism, which complement its traditional agricultural strengths.
For further information, visit cepal.org
About Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC/CEPAL):
The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, known as ECLAC or CEPAL in Spanish, is one of the five regional commissions of the United Nations. It was founded for the purposes of contributing to the economic development of Latin America, coordinating actions directed towards this end, and reinforcing economic ties among countries and with other nations of the world. Its headquarters are in Santiago, Chile.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a cornerstone of the legal community, operating on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of representing a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions and actively engages in its social responsibilities. This ethos is reflected in its profound commitment to demystifying complex legal concepts, driven by a vision to foster a more capable and informed citizenry.
