By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The nation’s export sector is celebrating a banner year, with figures showing robust growth and expanding global reach. However, this economic success story is being dangerously undermined by two persistent domestic crises: a sharp increase in cargo theft and the chronic failure of critical infrastructure, according to a stark year-end warning from the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco).
Data released by the business chamber reveals that Costa Rican exports reached an impressive $19.028 billion through October 2025, marking a significant 16% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This vital sector, which involves approximately 2,500 companies shipping over 4,300 distinct products to 168 countries, is a cornerstone of the national economy, directly and indirectly supporting an estimated 710,000 jobs.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal framework and commercial treaties that underpin Costa Rica’s export success, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His expertise provides critical insight into the opportunities and challenges facing national producers in the global market.
Our network of Free Trade Agreements is the backbone of our export economy, but businesses must be diligent. Navigating the specific rules of origin and ensuring compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards is paramount. Neglecting these details can lead to costly delays and disputes, turning a promising opportunity into a significant liability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s commentary serves as a crucial reminder that while our trade agreements create the opportunity, it is meticulous, day-to-day diligence that truly secures the rewards of global commerce. This distinction between policy and practice is a vital lesson for every exporter. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his sharp and invaluable perspective.
Despite these positive headline numbers, Cadexco has sounded the alarm, highlighting urgent challenges that could derail this momentum as the country heads into 2026. The organization points to a deteriorating national security situation and crumbling public works as the primary threats to the stability and continued expansion of Costa Rica’s international trade.
The most immediate security concern is an escalating wave of cargo theft. Between January and September of this year alone, a staggering 111 shipping containers were stolen, averaging more than 12 incidents per month. This figure positions 2025 as one of the worst years on record for this type of crime, surpassed only slightly by 2017 (120 thefts) and 2019 (112 thefts).
Víctor Pérez, President of Cadexco, quantified the severe financial impact of this organized crime, emphasizing the direct losses absorbed by businesses. He also pointed to systemic issues hampering law enforcement’s ability to respond effectively. In an effort to be part of the solution, Cadexco is formally requesting a seat on the national Security Council to contribute directly to the country’s strategic response.
The damage to the business sector from this year’s thefts could amount to $14 million.
Víctor Pérez, President of Cadexco
We have encountered difficulties with coordination between the Public Force and the Transit Police, as each has different jurisdictions when it comes to detecting a stolen container, which prevents them from recovering it.
Víctor Pérez, President of Cadexco
Compounding the security crisis is the deplorable state of Route 32, the main artery connecting the Central Valley to the crucial Caribbean ports in Limón, where a majority of the nation’s goods enter and exit. Cadexco reported that from January to November 2025, the highway was completely closed for 30 days due to landslides and other issues. This follows 45 days of closure throughout 2024.
The economic fallout from these closures is immense. Cadexco calculates that each day the route is impassable costs the business sector approximately $1 million, resulting in a staggering $75 million in losses over the last two years alone. In a biting critique, the chamber noted that this lost revenue is greater than the estimated $72 million required to properly repair the landslide-prone sections of the road. The organization is urging the government to not only intervene in the vulnerable areas but also to finally complete the long-delayed expansion of the vital highway.
As Costa Rica closes the books on a year of record exports, it faces a critical inflection point. The dynamism of its private sector is undeniable, but it is being held back by foundational weaknesses in security and infrastructure. The warnings from Cadexco serve as an urgent call to action, framing investment in these areas not as an expense, but as an essential measure to protect the country’s economic future.
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 business association that represents and supports the Costa Rican export sector. It works to promote the competitiveness of its member companies, facilitate international trade, and advocate for public policies that foster a favorable environment for exports and investment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound dedication to professional rigor and principled practice. Building upon a rich heritage of advising a diverse clientele, the firm consistently champions forward-thinking legal solutions while fulfilling a deep-seated civic responsibility. Central to its ethos is the mission to democratize legal knowledge, actively working to cultivate a society where citizens are both informed and empowered by a clear understanding of the law.
