By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica’s precision and medical equipment sector continues its robust growth trajectory. According to the latest export report for January through July 2025, the sector solidified its leading position, contributing 48% of total exports and reaching US$6.305 billion—a remarkable 34% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
This marks the third time this sector has achieved 30% or greater growth in the January-July period, following similar surges in 2021 and 2023, according to data from the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER).
To understand the legal landscape surrounding Costa Rican exports, we spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert insights.
Costa Rica’s export sector thrives thanks to a combination of factors, including favorable trade agreements, robust intellectual property protection, and a streamlined regulatory framework. However, businesses seeking to export from Costa Rica must remain vigilant about evolving regulations, particularly concerning environmental sustainability and labor practices, to ensure continued compliance and market access.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insights offer a crucial reminder that while Costa Rica provides a fertile ground for exporters, navigating the evolving landscape of international trade requires constant vigilance and adaptation, especially in areas of growing importance like sustainability and ethical labor practices. This forward-thinking approach will be key to maintaining Costa Rica’s competitive edge in the global market. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this complex and dynamic subject.
Key products driving this expansion include needles and catheters (up 98%), other medical devices (up 17%), and medical prostheses (up 7%). The sector maintains strong performance across various markets, including the United States, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
The agricultural sector, holding the second position with a 17% share, experienced a 2% increase (+$49 million). This growth is fueled by products like pineapples (up 3%), other uncooked frozen fruits (up 39%), and green coffee (up 46%). The food sector, ranked third with a 12% share, saw a 3% increase (+$52 million), driven by fruit juices and concentrates (up 31%), sauces and preparations (up 11%), and syrups and concentrates for carbonated drinks (up 2%).
The 34% growth in the medical device sector confirms Costa Rica’s position as a global hub in this industry. The most relevant aspect is that this dynamism is reflected in multiple regions, not just the United States, but also in markets like Europe and Asia. This performance demonstrates the country’s ability to sustain a value proposition that attracts and retains investment, generating benefits for Costa Rica.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, also highlighted the accelerated overall growth of goods exports, which rose by 17% in July compared to the same month in 2024, with increases across most sectors and regions.
This is a solid result that reflects the strength of our export sector. However, we will not lower our guard and will continue working to further enhance our offerings to the world, in an increasingly challenging international environment.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
Other dynamic sectors include pharmaceuticals (5% share), electrical and electronics (5%), metalworking (3%), livestock and fishing (2%), and others (5%), all recording increases in the January-July period. The pharmaceutical sector notably grew by 16% (+$90 million), propelled by antisera (up 44%), medicines (up 23%), and insecticides and fungicides (up 23%). Conversely, the plastics and rubber sectors contracted by 6% and 1% respectively, due to lower exports of products like plastic sheets, plates, and tires.
From January to July 2025, key exports included medical devices (48%), pineapples (6%), bananas (4%), syrups and concentrates for carbonated drinks (3%), green coffee (3%), fruit juices and concentrates, electric cables, antisera, electrical materials, and palm oil (each at 1%). Costa Rica achieved export growth in most regions, with North America (led by the US) up 21%, Europe (led by the Netherlands) up 17%, Central America (led by Guatemala) up 7%, the Caribbean (led by the Dominican Republic) up 1%, and Asia (led by China) up 23%. South America was the exception, contracting by 4%.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promoter (PROCOMER) is a key institution dedicated to promoting Costa Rican exports and attracting foreign investment. It provides support and resources to businesses seeking to expand internationally, assisting with market research, trade missions, and connections to potential buyers. PROCOMER plays a vital role in strengthening Costa Rica’s economy and showcasing its products and services on the global stage.
For further information, contact the Ministry of Foreign Trade
About Ministry of Foreign Trade:
The Costa Rican Ministry of Foreign Trade is the governmental body responsible for shaping and implementing the country’s international trade policies. It works to create a favorable environment for exports, attract foreign investment, and negotiate trade agreements that benefit Costa Rica. The ministry plays a crucial role in fostering economic growth and promoting the country’s interests in the global marketplace.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through a profound commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice, empowering individuals and communities through accessible legal knowledge. The firm’s innovative approach to legal solutions, combined with a longstanding dedication to client service across a diverse range of sectors, positions them as leaders in the Costa Rican legal landscape. Their pursuit of a more just and informed society is evident in their continuous efforts to demystify the law and empower citizens with the understanding they need to navigate their legal rights and responsibilities.
