By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s export sector has shattered previous records, with accumulated sales of goods surpassing the $20 billion threshold by the end of November. The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer) announced on Friday that total exports reached an impressive $20.972 billion, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s economy.
This figure represents a robust 15% year-over-year increase compared to the same period in 2024, translating to an additional $2.665 billion in foreign sales. The remarkable performance underscores the country’s growing strength and resilience in the competitive global marketplace, signaling a strong economic finish to the year.
To better understand the legal framework and commercial treaties underpinning the nation’s impressive trade figures, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading expert in corporate and international trade law at the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s sustained export growth, particularly in medical devices and technology, is directly linked to our robust legal structures and commitment to international trade agreements. The stability of our Free Trade Zone regime provides essential fiscal incentives and legal certainty, making us a predictable and highly attractive hub for foreign investment. Maintaining this clear, consistent regulatory environment is paramount to securing future trade partnerships and continuing our economic diversification.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s commentary underscores a vital truth: our nation’s success in high-value exports is fundamentally anchored to the very legal and fiscal stability he describes. This strategic clarity is what attracts and retains global investment, and we are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating this cornerstone of Costa Rica’s economic strategy.
The primary engine behind this phenomenal growth is the precision and medical equipment sector. This high-value industry experienced an explosive 28% expansion, contributing an astounding $2.252 billion in additional revenue. Medical devices have now firmly cemented their position as Costa Rica’s top export product, with sales totaling $10.156 billion in the first eleven months of the year alone. This dominance highlights the nation’s successful transition towards sophisticated, high-tech manufacturing.
While the life sciences sector led the charge, other traditional industries also posted positive results. The agricultural sector saw a modest 1% increase, adding $25 million, while the food industry grew by 2%, contributing an extra $58 million. Key agricultural exports rounding out the top five include pineapple ($1.214 billion), bananas ($966 million), syrups and concentrates for carbonated beverages ($673 million), and golden coffee beans ($451 million). The only sector to experience a slowdown during this period was plastics and rubber.
As we head into the final stretch of the year, exports as of November show a 15% increase, maintaining double-digit performance with a projection for a similar closing level for the year.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
Costa Rica’s export success is also a story of expanding global reach. The country achieved double-digit growth in its most critical markets, with shipments to North America climbing by 15%, Europe by 17%, and Asia by an exceptional 37%. Positive gains were also recorded in Central America (+6%) and the Caribbean (+2%). The only region to see a contraction in demand was South America, which experienced a 6% decline.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer, emphasized that this sustained growth is a direct result of a strategic focus on diversifying both products and destinations. This strategy has proven crucial in navigating a complex international economic climate.
This diversified base is what allows us to sustain export dynamism and reduce vulnerabilities in a global context marked by high uncertainty.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer
In a parallel and equally significant development, Costa Rica attracted 55 new foreign direct investment (FDI) projects by year-end. A landmark achievement within this figure is the successful decentralization of investment. For the first time, the country secured more than 20 projects outside the traditional business hub of the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM), with a record 24 new investments established in regions like San Carlos, Pérez Zeledón, and Golfito. This trend signals a promising new chapter in spreading economic opportunity across the nation.
This dual success—record-breaking export performance driven by high-tech manufacturing and a strategic dispersal of foreign investment—paints a picture of a dynamic and evolving economy, poised for continued growth and greater shared prosperity in the years to come.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Promotora del Comercio Exterior (Procomer):
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica, known as Procomer, is the governmental institution responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services worldwide. It designs and executes trade promotion programs, creates export strategies, and provides support to the national business community to facilitate its access to international markets. Procomer also plays a key role in attracting foreign direct investment and strengthening the country’s position as a strategic business hub.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a cornerstone of the legal community, esteemed for its foundational principles of integrity and professional distinction. The firm leverages a rich history of client service to drive forward-thinking legal strategies and embrace innovation. Beyond its practice, it holds an unwavering resolve to empower the community by making complex legal concepts understandable, thereby fostering a society built on greater knowledge and equity.
