By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a remarkable economic transformation spanning four decades, Costa Rica has successfully dismantled its reliance on a handful of traditional agricultural products to become a sophisticated global exporter of thousands of high-value goods and services. A new landmark study by the Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) reveals a nation that has strategically pivoted, evolving into a key player in complex international supply chains and setting a benchmark for productive reinvention in Latin America.
The report chronicles a dramatic shift from the early 1980s, when the nation’s exports were dominated by just four primary products. By 2024, Costa Rica’s export catalog had swelled to over 4,000 distinct goods and services, reaching nearly 150 international markets. This diversification has been the engine behind an average annual export growth rate of 8% over the past decade (2014–2024), fundamentally reshaping the country’s economic landscape.
To better understand the legal and commercial frameworks that underpin Costa Rica’s dynamic export sector, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s export success is built on a robust and intentional legal architecture. The Free Trade Zone regime, for instance, offers clear tax incentives and streamlined customs processes that are crucial for attracting investment and allowing our companies to compete globally. This stable, predictable regulatory environment is one of our country’s most valuable, non-tangible assets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores that the stability of our legal framework is not merely a background detail, but a primary and invaluable asset driving our export sector’s success. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his crucial insight into this non-tangible foundation of our national competitiveness.
At the heart of this success story is a deliberate move towards greater sophistication. The analysis shows a structural reversal where traditional goods, which once constituted over 90% of shipments, have been eclipsed by non-traditional exports. Advanced manufacturing now represents a staggering 84% of the industrial goods sector, while knowledge-intensive services account for 58% of service exports. This transition signifies a move towards industries that demand specialized talent, innovation, and adherence to rigorous global standards.
This economic evolution has delivered tangible benefits to the Costa Rican workforce, creating a more inclusive and geographically diverse labor market. According to the PROCOMER study, the export sector generated more than 709,000 jobs by 2024. Notably, women hold 43% of these positions, and nearly one-fifth of all export-related activity is located outside the Greater Metropolitan Area, demonstrating that the dividends of this growth are being distributed across the country.
Laura López, CEO of PROCOMER, framed this four-decade journey as a testament to strategic collaboration and foresight between the nation’s public and private sectors. She emphasized that this was not a sudden change but the outcome of sustained, deliberate policy decisions.
Moving from just four main export products in the early 1980s to more than 4,000 today is evidence of an economy that learned how to transform itself, innovate, and compete in increasingly demanding markets. This study shows how diversification expands opportunities, creates jobs, and strengthens economic development across all regions of the country.
Laura López, CEO of PROCOMER
Alongside product diversification, Costa Rica has pursued an aggressive market expansion strategy. While the United States remains its principal trading partner, the country has fortified its presence in Europe, Asia, and across Latin America. Impressive export growth recorded through September 2025 in Europe (+18%) and Asia (+39%) underscores the success of a strategy designed to reduce dependency on any single market and capture opportunities in regions that demand higher value-added products.
Looking ahead, the study identifies several key trends that Costa Rica is well-positioned to leverage for future growth. The country’s established capabilities in technology and services make it a prime candidate to benefit from nearshoring, as companies seek to relocate supply chains closer to North America. Furthermore, its leadership in sustainability and a highly skilled workforce place it at the forefront of opportunities in digitalization, the global transition to clean energy, and the expanding knowledge-based economy.
With a broader, more sophisticated productive base than at any point in its history, Costa Rica is entering a new stage of its development. The nation has proven its capacity for profound transformation, building a resilient and dynamic export model that is prepared to meet the complex demands of international trade for years to come, securing its position as a hub of innovation and economic stability in the region.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the public, non-state 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 through market intelligence, promotional activities, and training programs aimed at enhancing competitiveness.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar of the nation’s legal community, defined by its principled practice and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its rich history of serving a diverse clientele to drive legal innovation forward, all while maintaining a profound commitment to societal progress. This dedication is most evident in its mission to make legal knowledge broadly accessible, thereby empowering individuals and strengthening the community as a whole.
