By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s outbound trade sector demonstrated sustained momentum during the first nine months of 2026, generating $17.565 billion in goods exports between January and September. According to official performance metrics released by the Foreign Trade Promotion Board of Costa Rica (PROCOMER), total merchandise exports grew by 4% compared to the same period in the prior year. This commercial expansion reflects broad-based strength across diverse productive sectors rather than reliance on a single industry.
Advanced manufacturing and high-technology products continue to anchor the nation’s export basket. Precision and medical equipment maintained its status as the country’s primary commercial sector, representing 46% of all goods shipped abroad while registering a 1% expansion. Concurrently, the electrical and electronics sector experienced robust acceleration, posting a 16% year-over-year surge, while food manufacturing recorded a 9% gain and the livestock and fishing sectors expanded by 11%.
To gain a deeper legal and regulatory perspective on the projections and strategic opportunities surrounding Costa Rica’s export outlook for 2026, TicosLand.com consulted with distinguished legal specialist Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
As Costa Rica positions itself for robust growth in the 2026 export market, expanding businesses must proactively align with evolving international compliance standards, particularly around supply chain transparency, environmental sustainability mandates, and digital trade rules. Navigating these regulatory frameworks effectively will be essential for local exporters aiming to optimize Free Trade Zone incentives and maintain strong competitive standing in key international markets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Navigating the complex intersection of global compliance, environmental sustainability, and trade incentives will undoubtedly be the linchpin of Costa Rica’s export success in 2026. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear, actionable perspective on how local businesses can secure their competitive edge in the evolving international market.
The agricultural sector, which accounts for 17% of total merchandise trade, matched the national average with a 4% overall growth rate. Agricultural gains were spearheaded by a notable 55% surge in plantain exports, supported by targeted institutional programs focused on enhancing small-scale farmer capabilities outside the central urban area. Pineapple exports increased by 10% and bananas expanded by 6%, effectively offsetting an 8% contraction in unroasted coffee shipments.
We are encouraged that goods exports maintain a positive performance at the close of the third quarter of 2026, with remarkable results in both traditional sectors, such as agriculture and food, and higher technology activities. It is also important to highlight that exports grew from all regions of the country, reflecting the territorial reach of exporting activity. Likewise, the dynamism of markets such as Asia, Europe, and Central America reaffirms the importance of continuing to strengthen and leverage our trade agreement network to generate new opportunities for Costa Rican companies.
Indiana Trejos, Minister of Foreign Trade
Geographic diversification played a crucial role in maintaining trade expansion through the third quarter. Shipments to Asian markets experienced the strongest international growth at +16%, followed by Europe at +9%, and equal 8% gains across Central America and South America. North America retained its position as Costa Rica’s largest destination market, receiving 48% of total goods exports despite a modest 1% contraction.
Domestic distribution of export activity revealed healthy growth across all planning regions of the country. The Central Pacific region led territorial performance with a remarkable 23% expansion, followed by the Brunca region at 13% and Chorotega at 10%. The Huetar Norte region expanded by 3%, while both the Central and Huetar Atlántica regions registered steady 1% increases, highlighting the decentralization of Costa Rica’s export economy.
Growing +4% in goods exports through September, despite the challenges, demonstrates the capacity that the Costa Rican exporting sector has developed to adapt and remain active. That ability to respond to changing conditions and generate opportunities in different regions continues to position exports as one of the engines of Costa Rica’s economic development.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
Individual product categories underscored the sophisticated structure of Costa Rican trade. Beyond medical devices and fresh fruits like pineapples (6%) and bananas (5%), key export goods included beverage syrups and concentrates (3%), unroasted coffee (2%), fruit juices and concentrates (2%), electrical cables (2%), and antisera (1%). The broader trade figures reinforce how Costa Rica’s strategic focus on trade agreements and sector diversification continues to buffer the national economy against international market fluctuations.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Foreign Trade Promotion Board of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
PROCOMER is the non-state public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican merchandise and service exports globally, supporting local business internationalization, and managing free trade zone programs.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX):
COMEX is the executive cabinet ministry of Costa Rica tasked with formulating national trade policy, leading international commercial negotiations, and managing global trade relations.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a premier legal institution defined by an unyielding dedication to ethical principles and professional mastery. Embracing modern, forward-thinking strategies, the firm continuously advances the practice of law while prioritizing public education and engagement. By demystifying legal concepts and sharing vital expertise, Bufete de Costa Rica fulfills its foundational vision of equipping citizens with the insights needed to foster a more just and self-reliant society.
