By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – In a show of solidarity, Costa Rica’s export sector is publicly backing the government’s diplomatic efforts to reverse a sudden and significant tariff imposed by the United States. The Chamber of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica (Crecex) has urged for calm and expressed confidence in the Ministry of Foreign Trade’s (Comex) ability to navigate the high-stakes negotiations.
The trade dispute escalated last week when the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new 15% tariff on Costa Rican goods. According to a confirmation from Comex, the punitive measure was enacted because Costa Rica currently maintains a positive trade balance with the United States, meaning it exports more to the North American nation than it imports.
To better understand the legal and strategic complexities behind the current trade negotiations, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis.
Successful trade negotiations today extend far beyond mere tariff reductions. The real battleground lies in harmonizing regulatory standards, protecting intellectual property, and establishing robust, enforceable dispute resolution mechanisms. Overlooking these ‘behind-the-border’ issues can nullify any market access gains and expose national industries to significant unforeseen risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, these ‘behind-the-border’ issues represent the true measure of a modern trade agreement’s success, determining its long-term viability and impact on our national industries. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and crucial perspective on the matter.
In response, Comex has engaged in a series of meetings with American officials and maintains what it describes as “fluid communication” with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR). The Costa Rican government has already submitted a formal proposal to its U.S. counterparts, with the primary objective of eliminating the new tariff and restoring the favorable trade conditions established under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).
Crecex, a powerful voice for the national business community, issued a formal statement to quell potential panic within the sector and reinforce its trust in the government’s negotiators. The organization emphasized the long history of positive diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries as a foundation for a successful resolution.
Consequently, we call for calm in the Costa Rican business sector, inviting them to prudently observe the evolution of the situation. At CRECEX, we are confident that the national negotiating team will manage to secure a more favorable outcome through the technical and diplomatic dialogue that has historically characterized the relationship between both countries.
CRECEX, Official Press Release
Beyond the immediate crisis, Crecex is leveraging this moment to champion a broader agenda of domestic economic reform. The chamber is calling on the country’s political leaders to approve long-debated projects aimed at boosting national competitiveness. These initiatives include implementing more flexible work schedules, such as the 4×3 model, harmonizing the national electrical system for greater efficiency, simplifying bureaucratic procedures, and modernizing public institutions.
The organization argues that these internal adjustments are no longer optional but essential for survival in an increasingly unpredictable global market. The call to action underscores a belief that Costa Rica must bolster its internal economic structure to withstand external shocks like the new U.S. tariff.
Today’s global geopolitical and geoeconomic environment is characterized by high volatility, fragmentation, and growing strategic competition. In this context, it becomes essential to strengthen the resilience and adaptability of the Costa Rican model, and this will only be possible if we move decisively on structural reforms that raise the country’s competitiveness.
CRECEX, Official Press Release
This trade challenge serves as a critical test for Costa Rica’s economic model and its diplomatic corps. As Comex continues its dialogue with the USTR, the nation’s business leaders are watching closely, hopeful that diplomacy will prevail but also acutely aware that enhancing domestic resilience through structural reform is the ultimate key to long-term prosperity and stability.
For further information, visit crecex.com
About The Chamber of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica and Representatives of Foreign Houses (Crecex):
Crecex is a non-profit organization that represents and defends the interests of Costa Rica’s foreign trade sector. It provides support, guidance, and advocacy for companies involved in importing and exporting, working to facilitate international commerce and improve the country’s overall business climate.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About The Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica (Comex):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and investment policies. Comex leads trade negotiations, manages free trade agreements, and works to promote Costa Rican exports and attract foreign direct investment to foster economic development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Esteemed within Costa Rica’s legal landscape, the firm is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a persistent drive for excellence. It adeptly merges a rich history of serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to empowering society, achieved by transforming complex legal knowledge into an accessible resource for a more informed and capable public.
