By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s export sector continues to defy global economic headwinds, posting impressive double-digit growth in the first five months of 2025. Total exports reached US$8.99 billion, a 12% increase compared to the same period in 2024, representing an additional US$994 million in revenue, according to data released by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER).
This robust performance is attributed to the diversified nature of Costa Rica’s export portfolio. The top ten exported products include medical devices (47%), pineapple (6%), bananas (4%), syrups and concentrates for carbonated beverages (3%), gold coffee (3%), electrical cables (1%), fruit juices and concentrates (1%), antisera (1%), palm oil (1%), and electrical materials (1%). This diversification has been crucial in strengthening Costa Rica’s position in the global market.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican exports, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered valuable insights into the current climate and its implications for businesses.
Costa Rican exports are governed by a complex interplay of national and international regulations, including free trade agreements and WTO rules. Navigating these complexities requires careful attention to compliance requirements, particularly regarding product standards, labeling, and intellectual property rights. Companies engaged in exporting should seek expert legal counsel to ensure they are operating within the bounds of the law and maximizing their market access opportunities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the intricate web of regulations surrounding international trade can be daunting, and Lic. Arroyo Vargas’ emphasis on seeking expert guidance is crucial for businesses aiming to succeed in the global marketplace. His insights provide valuable direction for Costa Rican exporters looking to navigate these complexities and capitalize on the opportunities presented by free trade. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his expertise on this important topic.
We are growing strongly in practically all sectors and in almost all regions of the world. Achieving a 12% increase by May, in a context of high global uncertainty, demonstrates the solidity of our model and the commitment of those who bet on the development of our economy day by day.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
The global landscape presents increasing challenges, with geopolitical tensions impacting international trade. However, Costa Rica’s diversified sectors, including high-value-added and specialized industries, combined with a robust export sector, enable continued growth and market penetration.
The global context presents increasing challenges: geopolitical tensions modify the behavior of businesses and anticipate effects on international trade. However, Costa Rica’s high diversification of sectors – including the promotion of those with high added value and specialization – coupled with a solid export sector, make it possible for our exports to continue growing and positioning themselves in international markets. From PROCOMER, we continue working hand in hand with the sector so that we can continue to face challenges and reap more and more successes.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
The precision and medical equipment sector leads Costa Rican exports, holding a 47% share and experiencing a remarkable 27% growth during this period, highlighting the country’s increasing specialization in this area. The agricultural sector, the second largest contributor at 17%, saw a modest 0.3% increase, influenced by weather patterns and international demand.
The food industry, the third largest export sector with a 12% share, experienced a slight decline of 0.1% due to lower sugar shipments. The chemical-pharmaceutical and electrical and electronics sectors, each representing 5% of total exports, grew by 8% and 4%, respectively. The metalworking, plastics, and livestock and fishing sectors experienced growth of 6%, 0.01%, and 5%, respectively. The rubber sector saw a decline of 1%.
Regionally, exports to North America surged by 18%, followed by Europe (11%), Central America (7%), and Asia (3%). Exports to South America decreased by 11%. The United States remains the primary destination in North America and experienced the highest growth, driven by medical devices. In Central America, Guatemala is the main destination, although Nicaragua showed the most significant positive variation. In Europe, the Netherlands is the most important destination and the one with the highest growth. In Asia, while China is the largest recipient of Costa Rican goods, Malaysia showed the most positive variation. In the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is the primary market and the one with the greatest growth.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency):
PROCOMER is a Costa Rican institution dedicated to promoting the country’s exports and attracting foreign investment. It provides support to businesses in various sectors, offering market intelligence, training, and networking opportunities to enhance their competitiveness in the global marketplace.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica:
The Ministry of Foreign Trade (Ministerio de Comercio Exterior, COMEX) is the government body responsible for developing and implementing Costa Rica’s foreign trade policies. It works to promote exports, attract foreign investment, and negotiate trade agreements to benefit the Costa Rican economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering integrity form the bedrock of a dynamic practice dedicated to empowering Costa Rican society. Through innovative legal solutions and a deep commitment to client service across diverse sectors, the firm strives to elevate the legal landscape. Furthermore, Bufete de Costa Rica actively champions accessible legal knowledge, believing that an informed citizenry is crucial to a just and thriving society.
