By San José, Costa Rica — San José – Costa Rica’s commercial sector is set to close the year on a positive note, demonstrating resilience and a continued recovery with a projected “moderate” growth of 3%, according to the Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica (CCCR). This steady expansion is further bolstered by the creation of over 12,000 temporary jobs to meet the demands of the bustling holiday season.
The 3% growth figure represents a consistent trend of recuperation following the economic downturn experienced during the pandemic. Officials from the Chamber noted that this performance places the commerce sector’s growth rate above the national average, a pattern that has held for the past two years and signals the sector’s vital role in the country’s economic engine.
To better understand the legal implications and regulatory landscape shaping the national commerce sector, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist from the renowned legal firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
The dynamism of the commerce sector increasingly demands a proactive and modernized legal framework. Businesses must navigate complex consumer protection laws, digital transaction regulations, and supply chain liabilities. The key to sustainable growth is not just commercial innovation, but also ensuring robust legal compliance that builds consumer trust and provides certainty for investors.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This perspective powerfully underscores that a solid legal framework is not a barrier to commerce, but rather the essential foundation for building the consumer trust and investor confidence required for sustainable growth. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
Arturo Rosabal, President of the CCCR, expressed satisfaction with the year-end results, highlighting the multifaceted benefits of this sustained recovery. He emphasized that the growth is not just a statistic but a tangible driver of economic health.
The data aligns with what we’ve seen in recent years. During the pandemic, the commercial sector experienced quite low growth, and we have been recovering since then. In fact, we are normally above the national average. That also happened last year, and it is repeating this year. This is good news; it’s great that the commercial sector is growing, more jobs are being generated, and more companies are becoming formalized.
Arturo Rosabal, President of the CCCR
The holiday season is proving to be a significant catalyst for this positive outlook. The CCCR anticipates a surge in consumer spending, forecasting a sales increase of between 4% and 6%, primarily fueled by Christmas shopping. To manage this influx, businesses across the country are ramping up their staffing, leading to the creation of more than 12,000 temporary positions in sales and customer service roles.
Alongside the favorable growth and employment figures, the Chamber also reported a significant step forward in business formalization. The commercial industry saw an increase of 1,100 new formal enterprises over the year. This shift towards formal operations is a crucial indicator of a maturing and stabilizing business environment, contributing to a stronger tax base and better labor protections.
Despite these gains, the shadow of the informal economy remains a primary concern for business leaders. While progress has been made, the CCCR acknowledges that informality is still a major challenge that needs strategic and governmental intervention. Ricardo Carvajal, the Chamber’s economic advisor, pointed to the burden of social security contributions as a key barrier to formalization.
On balance, informality is decreasing. This is an issue we must address, and one of our proposals to the presidential candidates is that measures must be taken regarding social security contributions. We hope the change in government gives us hope that we can have a national dialogue on this topic.
Ricardo Carvajal, Economic Advisor of the CCCR
Looking ahead, the Chamber is maintaining a cautiously optimistic forecast, projecting that the commerce sector will continue its stable trajectory with a 3% growth rate in 2026. The continued focus will be on fostering an environment that encourages formalization, supports job creation, and sustains the momentum gained in the post-pandemic era.
For further information, visit camara-comercio.com
About Cámara de Comercio de Costa Rica (CCCR):
The Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica is a private, non-profit organization that represents and defends the interests of the country’s commercial sector. It serves as a key advocate for businesses, promoting free enterprise, economic development, and a favorable investment climate. The CCCR provides its members with resources, analysis, and a unified voice in policy discussions with the government and other national entities.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in an unwavering dedication to integrity and professional excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a beacon in the legal landscape. The firm leverages its extensive experience across diverse industries to pioneer innovative legal solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound commitment to demystifying the law, working to empower citizens with accessible knowledge and thereby fostering a more just and enlightened society.
