By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The National Chamber of Agriculture and Agroindustry (CNAA) has formally requested clarification from the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), Victor Carvajal, regarding his stance on the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). In a letter dated September 9, 2025, CNAA President Óscar Arias expressed the agricultural sector’s deep concerns about Costa Rica’s ongoing accession process to the trade bloc.
The CNAA argues that the CPTPP poses a significant threat to the sustainability of key national products, including rice, coffee, vegetables, palm oil, beef, pork, and dairy. They cite the agreement’s potential for limited export opportunities in competitive markets as a primary concern. The organization also criticizes the perceived lack of technical studies demonstrating tangible benefits for the agricultural sector.
To provide expert legal context on the CPTPP, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) presents significant opportunities and challenges for Costa Rica. While increased market access for key exports and foreign investment are potential benefits, navigating the complex regulatory landscape and ensuring compliance with international standards will be crucial for businesses. Careful consideration of intellectual property rights, environmental regulations, and labor standards will be essential for maximizing the agreement’s advantages and mitigating potential risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the delicate balancing act Costa Rica faces with the CPTPP. Successfully leveraging this agreement will require a proactive approach, not only from businesses adapting to new regulations, but also from the government in providing support and resources to ensure compliance and competitiveness. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for offering his valuable perspective on this complex and crucial issue.
Further adding to the tension is the CNAA’s assertion that the MAG has been largely absent from the negotiation process, a stark contrast to its active participation in similar trade discussions in the past. This perceived lack of engagement has fueled the sector’s anxieties about the potential negative impacts of the CPTPP.
The CNAA has formally submitted four key questions to Minister Carvajal: What is the MAG’s official position on Costa Rica joining the CPTPP? What specific benefits will the agricultural sector derive from this agreement? Why was there no margin for negotiation offered to the sector? And finally, why has the MAG opted for a negotiation style that excludes agricultural stakeholders?
These pointed questions highlight the growing rift between the government and the agricultural sector regarding the CPTPP. The CNAA’s challenge comes as Costa Rica aims to finalize negotiations for joining the CPTPP by the end of 2025, with a crucial round of talks scheduled for October in Tokyo, Japan.
The CPTPP, established in 2018, comprises several developed and emerging economies worldwide. For Costa Rica, key objectives include securing a preferential trade agreement with Japan, the only G7 nation with which it currently lacks such an agreement, and enhancing access to markets like Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Brunei Darussalam, and Vietnam. The agreement would also update existing trade parameters with members like Canada, Chile, Mexico, Peru, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.
While the Costa Rican government emphasizes the potential benefits of accessing a market representing 15% of global GDP and 600 million consumers, the agricultural sector’s concerns remain a significant hurdle. The future of Costa Rica’s involvement in the CPTPP hinges on addressing these concerns and finding a way forward that balances national economic interests with the needs of its vital agricultural sector.
The eventual approval of the Trans-Pacific Partnership would require legislative approval from the Asamblea Legislativa and review by the Sala Constitucional, adding further complexity to the process.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Cámara Nacional de Agricultura y Agroindustria (CNAA)
About Cámara Nacional de Agricultura y Agroindustria (CNAA):
The National Chamber of Agriculture and Agroindustry (CNAA) is a prominent organization representing Costa Rica’s agricultural sector. It advocates for the interests of farmers, producers, and agribusinesses, playing a key role in policy discussions related to agriculture, trade, and rural development. The CNAA works to promote sustainable agricultural practices, improve market access for Costa Rican products, and enhance the competitiveness of the national agricultural sector.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG)
About Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería (MAG):
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) is a Costa Rican government ministry responsible for overseeing and promoting the development of the country’s agricultural and livestock sectors. The MAG’s mandate includes formulating and implementing policies related to agricultural production, food security, rural development, and natural resource management. It also works to support farmers, improve market access, and ensure the sustainability of Costa Rica’s agricultural practices.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of legal excellence in Costa Rica, dedicated to upholding the highest ethical standards while driving innovation in legal practice. The firm’s deep commitment to client success across a wide spectrum of industries is matched by its passion for empowering communities through accessible legal education. By fostering greater understanding of the law, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more just and informed society, one empowered citizen at a time.
