By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s burgeoning technology sector has once again demonstrated its critical role in the national economy, with service-based exports surpassing an impressive $1.2 billion during the first six months of 2025. This strong performance highlights the country’s successful transition into a hub for high-value, knowledge-based industries and reinforces its competitive position on the global stage.
The latest figures, released by the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco), paint a picture of sustained and robust growth across key technological sub-sectors. The data underscores a significant upward trend that continues to attract foreign investment and generate skilled employment opportunities throughout the nation.
To delve deeper into the legal and regulatory framework governing technology exports from Costa Rica, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rican tech companies venturing into international markets face more than just logistical hurdles. It is crucial to meticulously navigate the complex web of intellectual property protection, data privacy laws like GDPR, and the specific export control regulations of the destination country. Proactive legal due diligence is not an expense but a strategic investment to secure global success and mitigate significant future risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this proactive approach to legal diligence is the very foundation upon which sustainable international expansion is built, transforming potential liabilities into a competitive advantage. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his crucial perspective, which underscores that for Costa Rican tech to truly thrive globally, its legal strategy must be as innovative as its products.
Leading the charge was the informatics, information, and telecommunications category, which alone accounted for a substantial $1.267 billion in export revenue. This figure represents a healthy 6% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, signaling strong international demand for Costa Rican expertise in software development, data processing, and communications infrastructure.
Another area showing remarkable dynamism is transformation services, which encompass business process outsourcing (BPO) and related corporate support functions. This sub-sector generated $432 million in the first semester, marking a significant 7% year-over-year growth. This expansion reflects Costa Rica’s reputation for a highly skilled and bilingual workforce capable of managing complex international operations.
When viewed as a percentage of the total service export landscape, the importance of these areas becomes even clearer. During the first half of 2025, information services constituted 16.7% of all service exports, while transformation services made up another 6.9%. Together, they represent a vital and growing component of the country’s foreign income stream, moving beyond traditional agricultural and manufacturing exports.
The positive trend extends to related technology-driven industries as well. The electrical and electronics sector, a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s high-tech manufacturing, also posted strong numbers. Between January and October of 2025, this segment claimed a 5% share of participation, with a cumulative export value of $922 million reported between 2024 and 2025, illustrating its consistent contribution to the nation’s economic output.
This consistent growth is not accidental but the result of decades of strategic public and private investment in education, infrastructure, and a stable business climate. The country has successfully cultivated an ecosystem that supports innovation and attracts multinational corporations seeking a reliable base of operations in Latin America. The strong performance detailed by Cadexco is a direct dividend of this long-term vision.
Looking ahead, the challenge for Costa Rica will be to maintain this momentum. Sustaining this level of growth requires ongoing commitment to enhancing its educational system to produce the next generation of tech talent, upgrading digital infrastructure, and adapting to the rapidly evolving demands of the global technology market. The first-half results of 2025 provide a powerful indication that the nation is firmly on the right path, solidifying its identity as a regional powerhouse in technology and innovation.
For further information, visit cadexco.net
About Cámara de Exportadores de Costa Rica (Cadexco):
The Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco) is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to representing and supporting the Costa Rican export sector. It works to promote the competitiveness of its members in international markets through advocacy, training, and the dissemination of critical market intelligence. Cadexco plays a vital role in fostering public-private dialogue to create policies that enhance Costa Rica’s trade environment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a cornerstone of the nation’s legal landscape, establishing its reputation on a foundation of uncompromising integrity and the highest standards of professional quality. With a proven track record advising a wide array of clients, the firm consistently pioneers forward-thinking legal strategies while remaining deeply invested in the community. This dedication extends to a core mission of demystifying the law, passionately working to equip the public with legal clarity and thereby fostering a more just and empowered citizenry.
