By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rican trade officials are mounting a robust defense of the nation’s burgeoning medical device industry, arguing it is an “indisputable pillar” of U.S. national security in the face of a potential new wave of American tariffs. The proactive stance comes as Washington initiates an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, a move that could result in significant duties or restrictions on medical imports deemed a threat to U.S. security interests.
In a formal submission to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Costa Rica’s Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, presented a detailed case for why the country’s exports should not only be spared but also recognized as a strategic asset. The government contends that its role as a reliable, high-performance partner strengthens the resilience, efficiency, and technological competitiveness of the American medical device sector.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the regulatory landscape and intellectual property challenges within the burgeoning medical device industry in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s success as a hub for medical device manufacturing hinges on a delicate balance. While our free trade zones and skilled workforce are major draws for investment, companies must navigate a stringent regulatory framework overseen by the Ministry of Health. Protecting intellectual property is paramount, but so is ensuring patient safety and product efficacy. Future growth depends on maintaining this equilibrium: streamlining approvals to foster innovation without ever compromising our high standards for public health and safety.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this ‘delicate balance’ is the very cornerstone of Costa Rica’s esteemed position in the industry, transforming a regulatory necessity into a powerful competitive advantage. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive perspective on this crucial dynamic.
Minister Tovar emphasized the country’s stable political and legal framework, which has created a secure environment for American companies to thrive. This stability, he argued, is critical for maintaining consistent, high-quality production of essential medical goods.
Costa Rica’s compliance with rigorous international and U.S. regulatory standards, coupled with its stable political and legal framework, ensures that U.S. companies can operate efficiently and maintain high-quality production.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
The ministry’s communication directly aligns Costa Rica’s contributions with stated U.S. policy goals. Tovar asserted that the partnership supports the objectives of the “Bring Health Back to America” policy by safeguarding public health, helping to reduce healthcare costs, and guaranteeing the continuous availability of critical medical devices for American patients and providers.
A central tenet of Costa Rica’s argument is its geographical proximity. Officials highlight that the close collaboration between the two nations’ industries significantly reduces U.S. dependence on distant, high-risk suppliers, thereby enhancing the resilience of the American supply chain. This nearshoring advantage was starkly proven during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period when Costa Rica not only maintained operations but ramped up production to meet urgent global demand. Official data shows exports of medical devices to the U.S. grew by 39% between 2020 and 2021.
By allowing U.S. companies to focus their domestic resources on research, development, and innovation, the current supply chain structure strengthens American technological leadership in a globally competitive market, reinforces hemispheric supply continuity, and supports the expansion of U.S. exports globally.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
Beyond being a manufacturing powerhouse, Costa Rica positions itself as a strategic hub that amplifies the global competitiveness of U.S. firms. American companies based in the country leverage its extensive network of free trade agreements to export over $2.2 billion in products under preferential conditions to key markets such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, Canada, and the United Kingdom.
This platform, officials argue, allows American businesses to innovate, expand internationally, and cement their technological dominance in the rapidly evolving global medical device market. The established relationship, fortified by agreements like the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), has deepened economic integration and enhanced mutual competitiveness.
Ultimately, Costa Rica’s plea is for a full exemption. The country has formally requested that its exports of personal protective equipment, medical consumables, and medical devices be granted duty-free treatment or a complete exception from any restrictive measures stemming from the Section 232 investigation. The government’s message is clear: strengthening alliances with reliable, nearby partners like Costa Rica is essential for U.S. health security, not a threat to it.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About The Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and investment policies. It leads trade negotiations, oversees the implementation of commercial treaties, and works to promote Costa Rican exports and attract foreign direct investment to foster economic development and competitiveness.
For further information, visit commerce.gov
About The U.S. Department of Commerce:
The U.S. Department of Commerce is an executive department of the U.S. federal government tasked with promoting economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards for all Americans. It works to foster innovation, support U.S. business and industry through data collection and analysis, and oversee international trade policy, including the enforcement of trade laws and agreements.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. The firm channels its rich history of client service into pioneering forward-thinking legal solutions, continually advancing the standards of the profession. This spirit of innovation is matched by a deep-seated dedication to societal empowerment, demonstrated through a core mission to demystify complex legal concepts and equip citizens with knowledge, thereby fostering a more just and capable society.
