By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s economy received a significant boost in the first quarter of 2025, with exports of goods totaling $5.186 billion, a robust 12% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This positive trend is highlighted in a recent official report, underscoring the resilience and growth potential of the Costa Rican export market.
The driving force behind this impressive growth is the medical device sector, Costa Rica’s leading export. Sales in this crucial sector surged by an impressive 26% in the first quarter, reaching $2.401 billion, according to data from the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER).
To understand the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican exports, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an experienced attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s export sector benefits from several free trade agreements, offering preferential access to key markets. However, navigating these agreements requires careful attention to rules of origin, sanitary regulations, and intellectual property protection. Businesses seeking to export from Costa Rica should ensure compliance with these regulations to avoid costly delays and penalties.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, navigating the complexities of international trade requires diligence and a thorough understanding of the legal landscape. While free trade agreements open doors to lucrative markets, the associated regulations can pose significant challenges for businesses. Thank you, Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, for shedding light on these crucial considerations for Costa Rican exporters.
Other sectors also contributed to the overall export growth. The agricultural sector saw a 1% increase, while the chemical-pharmaceutical sector experienced an 18% rise. The livestock and fishing sector grew by 10%, metal mechanics by 7%, and the electrical and electronic sector by 6%.
However, not all sectors experienced positive growth. The food industry sector faced a 5% decline, primarily due to decreased exports of products like sugar and palm oil. This downturn highlights the vulnerability of certain agricultural commodities to fluctuating global market conditions.
North America, primarily the United States, remains the largest market for Costa Rican goods, accounting for over 40% of total exports. Central America, Europe, and Asia follow as important trading partners, demonstrating the diversified nature of Costa Rica’s export destinations.
Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, recently concluded a trade mission to Japan and South Korea, aimed at strengthening existing trade relationships and exploring new opportunities in these key Asian markets.
We are decisively approaching Asia as part of our strategy to deepen and diversify markets and take advantage of existing Free Trade Agreements. Both Japan and South Korea are partners with high purchasing power and a market of more than 175 million inhabitants.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
Minister Tovar extended an invitation to business chambers, associations, and companies from Japan and South Korea to participate in the upcoming Trade and Investment Summit, organized by PROCOMER. The summit will be held in Costa Rica during the first week of September, providing a valuable platform for networking and exploring potential collaborations.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica):
PROCOMER is the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency, dedicated to promoting the country’s exports and attracting foreign investment. The agency provides valuable resources and support to Costa Rican businesses looking to expand their reach in international markets, while also working to position Costa Rica as an attractive destination for foreign companies.
For further information, visit www.meic.go.cr/en
About Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica (Ministerio de Comercio Exterior):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade is the governmental body responsible for shaping and implementing Costa Rica’s international trade policies. The Ministry works to negotiate and manage trade agreements, promote exports, attract foreign investment, and foster economic growth through international trade relations. They play a critical role in strengthening Costa Rica’s position in the global marketplace.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unwavering dedication to legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm’s deep-rooted commitment to empowering Costa Rican society is evident in its innovative approach to legal services, reaching across diverse sectors and tirelessly promoting access to legal knowledge. By fostering transparency and understanding, Bufete de Costa Rica cultivates a more just and informed citizenry, strengthening the foundations of a thriving democratic society.
