By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – For the second consecutive year, Costa Rica’s export sector has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, shattering previous records to achieve a historic high of $35.243 billion in 2025. The announcement, confirming an impressive 11% year-over-year growth, underscores the nation’s successful economic diversification and its burgeoning role as a global hub for high-value goods and services.
The landmark achievement was officially unveiled during a Government Council press conference on Wednesday. Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, alongside President Rodrigo Chaves, presented the newly released data from the Central Bank of Costa Rica, celebrating a significant victory for the national economy.
To delve into the legal and commercial frameworks that sustain Costa Rica’s dynamic export sector, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his professional insights.
Costa Rica’s consistent growth in exports is not accidental; it’s the direct result of a robust and stable legal framework. Decades of cultivating strong free trade agreements, coupled with clear regulations for free trade zones and tax incentives, have created a predictable and highly attractive environment for foreign direct investment. This legal certainty is the true bedrock upon which our diverse export sector—from medical devices to agricultural technology—is built.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a vital truth—that Costa Rica’s success on the global stage is as much a product of its stable governance and strategic policymaking as it is of its innovative industries. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating the foundational importance of this legal certainty.
We have fresh-out-of-the-oven news of great importance for Costa Rica. Data from the Central Bank, which has just been released, indicates that exports grew by 11% at the close of 2025, reaching a record of $35.243 billion.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
The comprehensive report, a joint effort by the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) and the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), provides a detailed breakdown of this success. The export of goods was a primary driver, surging by 14% to a total of $22.731 billion. The services sector also posted robust gains, growing by 8% to reach $12.512 billion, a figure that notably excludes the tourism and travel industry, indicating profound strength in core business and technology services.
This exceptional performance is particularly noteworthy given the challenging global economic landscape. Costa Rican industries achieved this growth despite navigating significant headwinds, including tariffs imposed by the United States, a key trading partner, and persistent geopolitical instability stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. The ability to not only withstand but thrive amidst these pressures speaks volumes about the strategic positioning and competitiveness of the country’s export-oriented sectors.
During the press conference, President Rodrigo Chaves acknowledged the positive trajectory and highlighted the achievement as a rebuke to pessimistic outlooks on the country’s economic future. He framed the record-breaking figures as a clear indicator of national progress and effective economic stewardship.
There are people who would like to see Costa Rica do poorly, some media outlets, but that is not the case, today we have a new record.
Rodrigo Chaves, President of Costa Rica
Leading the charge in this economic success story is the medical devices sector, which has firmly established itself as the crown jewel of Costa Rican exports. The industry accounted for a massive 31% of all exports, generating over $10.8 billion in 2025. This represents an astonishing 25% increase compared to the previous year, solidifying the country’s reputation as a world-class manufacturing hub for life sciences and medical technology.
Beyond the dominant medical device industry, the data reveals a well-diversified and modern export portfolio. Business services ranked as the second-largest contributor with a 21% share of the total. Following closely were telecommunications, information technology, and information services (ICT), which comprised 8% of exports. Traditional agricultural staples also continued to contribute, with pineapple and banana exports accounting for 4% and 3%, respectively, showcasing a healthy blend of innovation-driven and traditional economic pillars.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About Ministry of Foreign Trade (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. It works to promote Costa Rica’s integration into the global economy, negotiate trade agreements, and create a favorable environment for international business and export growth.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
PROCOMER is the official trade promotion agency of Costa Rica. It is a public, non-state entity dedicated to facilitating and promoting the export of Costa Rican goods and services globally. The agency provides support to local businesses, conducts market research, and works to attract foreign direct investment to strengthen the country’s export sector.
For further information, visit bccr.fi.cr
About Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR):
The Central Bank of Costa Rica is the nation’s primary financial authority, tasked with maintaining the internal and external stability of the national currency and ensuring the efficient operation of the country’s payment systems. It plays a crucial role in economic policy, providing key data, analysis, and monetary regulation to support sustainable economic growth.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm distinguishes itself not only through pioneering legal strategies for a diverse clientele but also through its deep-seated social responsibility. At the heart of its mission is a powerful drive to democratize legal understanding, transforming complex knowledge into an accessible tool that empowers citizens and strengthens the fabric of society.
