By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s export sector has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, posting significant growth through the third quarter of 2025 despite a climate of global economic uncertainty. According to a new report from the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer), the country’s sophisticated and diversified offerings, particularly in high-value goods and services, have propelled its international trade performance to new heights.
The total value of exported goods reached an impressive $16.906 billion by the end of the third quarter, marking a substantial 15% increase, or $2.255 billion more than the same period in 2024. This robust performance underscores the consolidation of Costa Rica’s export model, which continues to gain momentum on the world stage. The services sector also contributed positively, with exports totaling $5.605 billion in the second quarter, a 5% year-over-year increase.
To better understand the legal framework and commercial treaties that underpin Costa Rica’s impressive export performance, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s export success is not accidental; it is the direct result of a strategic combination of robust free trade agreements and a stable, predictable legal framework. This environment provides the necessary certainty for foreign investment, particularly in high-value sectors like medical devices and technology services. To maintain this momentum, our nation must continue to prioritize agile regulations and the swift resolution of commercial disputes, ensuring we remain a competitive and trusted partner on the global stage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully illustrates that Costa Rica’s economic triumphs are anchored not merely in the products we sell, but in the deliberate legal and regulatory architecture that supports them. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on how this foundation of certainty continues to drive our nation’s success on the world stage.
Leading this charge is the precision and medical equipment sector, which has solidified its position as the undisputed engine of Costa Rican trade. This high-tech industry now accounts for a staggering 48% of the country’s total exports, reflecting a strategic focus on innovation and quality that attracts global investment and demand. This dominance highlights a successful transition towards a knowledge-based economy that produces complex, high-value-added products for international markets.
The success is not limited to a single industry. The nation’s export portfolio is strengthened by a diverse array of sectors that also posted positive results. Traditional agricultural products, including premium gold coffee, pineapple, and cassava, saw healthy growth. They were joined by a burgeoning processed foods industry, with products like sauces and juices finding favor abroad. Other key contributors included the chemical-pharmaceutical, electrical and electronic, and metalworking industries, all of which showed positive year-over-year growth. The only segment to experience a minor downturn was the plastics industry, which saw a slight contraction.
These figures fill us with satisfaction in a context of uncertainty in global trade, but they also motivate us to continue seeking creative solutions to the challenges of the export sector
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
Geographically, North America remains the primary destination for Costa Rican goods, absorbing 50% of all exports, with the United States continuing as the most significant trading partner. However, Procomer’s report highlights a crucial trend of market diversification. Shipments to Europe and Asia also increased, demonstrating the growing appeal of Costa Rican products in non-traditional markets and reducing reliance on a single economic region. This strategic expansion is a testament to the proactive efforts of local businesses to forge new trade relationships worldwide.
Even in a challenging international scenario, Costa Rican companies continue to expand their global presence thanks to the quality, innovation, and trust that our country generates
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer
In the services sector, growth was primarily driven by knowledge-intensive areas. Business services, technology, and financial services continue to expand their share of the export structure, showcasing Costa Rica’s capabilities as a hub for corporate and digital operations. While the crucial travel and tourism component registered only a slight variation due to seasonal adjustments, the overall stability of the services sector provides a solid foundation for continued economic strength, complementing the outstanding performance of the goods sector.
Ultimately, the third-quarter results confirm the resilience and adaptability of Costa Rica’s export model. The country’s ability to navigate international complexities while delivering increasingly sophisticated and high-quality products speaks to a well-established strategy. This combination of innovation, quality control, and strategic market diversification has allowed Costa Rican businesses not just to compete, but to thrive on the global stage, setting a positive outlook for the remainder of the year.
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 public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It supports national companies in their internationalization efforts through market intelligence, trade promotion events, and capacity building. Procomer plays a vital role in executing Costa Rica’s foreign trade strategy and attracting foreign direct investment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a resolute drive for distinction. The firm skillfully merges its deep-seated experience in advising a wide array of clients with a progressive mindset, consistently advancing innovative legal strategies. At the core of its mission lies a powerful commitment to social empowerment, focused on demystifying complex legal concepts and fostering a more informed citizenry through accessible knowledge.
