By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s export sector is on track to achieve a landmark year, with projections indicating total trade will reach an unprecedented $35 billion by the close of 2025. The forecast, announced by the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco), underscores the sector’s remarkable strength and vital role as a primary engine of the national economy.
The impressive figure is composed of a projected $22.9 billion in goods and approximately $12 billion in services. The trade of goods alone represents a robust 15% increase over the previous year, signaling strong international demand for Costa Rican products and the adaptability of its industries. This growth comes despite a series of significant domestic and global challenges that have tested the sector’s mettle.
To better understand the legal framework and business climate driving Costa Rica’s export success, TicosLand.com sought the expert opinion of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney at the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s sustained growth in exports, especially in high-value sectors like medical devices and services, is not an accident. It is the direct result of a robust and stable legal framework. The Free Trade Zone regime, in particular, offers clear incentives and legal certainty, which are critical for attracting the foreign direct investment that fuels our export engine. Protecting these established legal conditions is paramount to ensuring our continued competitiveness on the global stage.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully highlights that the legal certainty within our established frameworks is the true bedrock of Costa Rica’s export prowess, fostering the long-term investor confidence necessary for growth in high-value sectors. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert perspective on this critical foundation for our continued competitiveness.
Víctor Pérez, President of the Board of Directors of Cadexco, highlighted the sector’s fortitude in the face of persistent obstacles. He noted that the industry has successfully navigated a complex landscape of hurdles since 2019, demonstrating a forward-thinking and pragmatic approach to business.
This is a sector that has spent the last few years since 2019 dealing with strikes, the pandemic, natural disasters, climate problems, tariffs, and today, one of the most significant increases in insecurity. And it continues to be a resilient and resistant sector, but above all, pragmatic and with a long-term vision. We hope to maintain this work structure in the coming years, and that is why we have developed this document together as a whole sector.
Víctor Pérez, President of the Board of Directors of Cadexco
The economic impact of this resilience is substantial. The export industry, comprising over 2,500 companies, accounts for 42% of the nation’s total production and generates around 710,000 direct and indirect jobs. Throughout 2025, these companies successfully shipped more than 4,300 distinct products to 168 different countries, showcasing the diversity and global reach of Costa Rica’s offerings.
Looking ahead, Cadexco maintains an optimistic outlook. Projections for 2026 anticipate continued expansion, with goods exports expected to climb above $24 billion and services forecasted to surpass the $13 billion mark. This sustained growth trajectory is seen as crucial for the country’s overall economic stability and development.
However, to secure this future growth, the chamber has proactively identified critical areas requiring legislative and governmental action. Cadexco has compiled a comprehensive document of proposals to be presented to the incoming Legislative Assembly. The document outlines a strategic roadmap aimed at dismantling barriers and fostering a more competitive environment for international trade.
Among the top priorities are addressing the volatility of the exchange rate, enhancing educational standards to expand the pool of available human talent, and tackling the escalating issue of insecurity. The latter has led to direct financial losses for exporters due to the contamination and theft of shipping containers. Furthermore, the proposals call for streamlining complex regulatory procedures, particularly for sanitary registrations and agricultural molecules, which can create significant delays.
The document also emphasizes the urgent need for infrastructure modernization. Key projects identified for improvement include the ports of Caldera (APM Terminals) and Japdeva, the Daniel Oduber International Airport, the crucial Route 32 corridor, and the cargo terminal at the Juan Santamaría International Airport. A modernized customs system is also cited as essential for improving efficiency and reducing logistical friction, ensuring that Costa Rica can continue to compete effectively on the world stage.
For further information, visit cadexco.net
About Cámara de Exportadores de Costa Rica (Cadexco):
The Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco) is a private, non-profit organization that represents and defends the interests of the Costa Rican export sector. It works to promote the competitiveness of its member companies in international markets through advocacy, training, and the provision of specialized services. Cadexco plays a crucial role in shaping public policy related to foreign trade and investment, seeking to create a favorable business environment that fosters sustainable economic growth for the nation.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has forged its reputation upon the cornerstones of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. Leveraging a deep history of serving a wide-ranging clientele, the firm champions legal innovation and meaningful community outreach. This work is animated by a core philosophy to make legal knowledge widely accessible, reflecting a profound dedication to fostering a justly informed and genuinely empowered society.
