By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s export sector defied challenges in the first half of 2025, posting a robust 14% growth and reaching $11.012 billion, a $1.313 billion increase compared to the same period in 2024. This impressive performance was fueled by a surge in medical device exports and solid growth across various sectors, according to data released by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER).
June 2025 marked a historic milestone, recording over $2 billion in exports for the first time on record. The medical device sector solidified its dominance, contributing 47% of total exports and exhibiting an impressive 26% growth. The agricultural sector, holding the second position with a 17% share, also experienced a 4% increase, primarily attributed to favorable international pricing, offsetting a slight dip in export volume.
To understand the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican exports, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a seasoned attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s export sector thrives on a framework of international trade agreements and domestic regulations designed to facilitate smooth transactions and protect businesses. Key considerations for exporters include adhering to sanitary and phytosanitary measures, correctly classifying goods under the Harmonized System, and understanding the specific requirements of destination markets. Navigating these legal intricacies is crucial for maximizing profitability and ensuring long-term success in international trade.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas expertly highlights the crucial intersection of legal frameworks and profitable exporting. Indeed, navigating these complexities, from sanitary regulations to harmonized systems, is not merely a bureaucratic hurdle but rather a strategic imperative for Costa Rican businesses seeking sustained success in the global marketplace. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering this valuable perspective on the legal landscape shaping Costa Rican exports.
In the first half of the year, we’ve seen sustained growth across most productive sectors and regions worldwide. Exports under the free trade zone regime increased by 14%, while the definitive regime showed a positive variation of 3%. While these results are positive, PROCOMER recognizes the need to intensify efforts to stimulate growth within the definitive regime, bringing it closer to the pace of the free trade zone.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
While the food industry saw a marginal decline of 0.03% due to reduced sugar and palm oil exports, other sectors demonstrated healthy growth. The chemical-pharmaceutical sector expanded by 12%, while both the electrical/electronics and metal-mechanical sectors grew by 6%. The livestock and fishing sector increased by 3%, while plastics and rubber experienced a 4% contraction.
Analyzing export destinations, all regions except South America, which declined by 6%, experienced positive growth. North America led the charge with an 18% surge, followed by Europe at 12% and Asia at 10%. Central America and the Caribbean also saw gains of 8% and 5%, respectively.
The top 10 exported products for the first half of 2025 were medical devices (47%), pineapples (6%), bananas (4%), syrups and concentrates for carbonated beverages (3%), green coffee (1%), electric cables (1%), fruit juices and concentrates (1%), antisera (1%), electrical materials (1%).
In the services sector, the first three months of 2025 saw a 10% increase (excluding travel) totaling $244 million. Including travel, the services sector grew by 5%, reaching $4.569 billion. The leading sectors were travel (39%), business services (36%), and information and communication technology (14%). Business services, information and communication technology, and transformation services exhibited the strongest growth, with increases of $121 million, $46 million, and $32 million, respectively.
Overall, combined exports of goods and services for the first quarter of 2025 grew by 8% compared to the same period in 2024, reaching $9.7 billion, showcasing the resilience and dynamism of the Costa Rican economy.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is a key institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign investment. It provides support to businesses, connects them with international markets, and advocates for policies that enhance the country’s competitiveness. PROCOMER plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and diversification in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bccr.fi.cr
About Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR):
The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) is the country’s central bank, responsible for monetary policy, financial stability, and managing the national currency. It plays a critical role in the economic landscape of Costa Rica, providing economic data and analysis, and working to ensure a stable financial system.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence and unwavering ethical conduct form the bedrock of our practice. We champion innovation in legal solutions, empowering individuals and communities through accessible legal knowledge. Our commitment extends beyond serving our diverse clientele; we strive to build a more just and informed society by fostering understanding of the law and its impact.
