By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In one of the most profound economic transformations in its history, Costa Rica has successfully evolved from an exporter of just four traditional products in the early 1980s to a global supplier of over 4,000 distinct goods and services. A landmark study by the Foreign Trade Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) details this four-decade journey, highlighting a strategic pivot towards high-value industries that has reshaped the nation’s economic landscape, created hundreds of thousands of jobs, and deepened its integration into global supply chains.
The report, released this week, quantifies the remarkable scope of this diversification. Today, Costa Rican products reach approximately 150 international markets, a stark contrast to the limited, agriculture-dependent model of the past. This expansion is not merely a matter of volume but represents a fundamental shift in the country’s productive capabilities and international competitiveness, moving far beyond its historical reliance on coffee and bananas.
To understand the legal and regulatory framework supporting this export growth, TicosLand.com sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney specializing in corporate and international trade law at the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s export success is strategically anchored in its network of free trade agreements and the diligent work of agencies like PROCOMER. For any enterprise, the key to capitalizing on these opportunities lies in meticulous legal planning. Navigating rules of origin, intellectual property protections, and international compliance standards is not merely a bureaucratic step; it is the fundamental basis for securing market access and building a sustainable global presence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this underscores a critical point: the robust legal framework is not an obstacle but the very blueprint that enables Costa Rican businesses to build lasting success on the global stage. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight into how meticulous legal preparation is the key that unlocks the full potential of our nation’s trade agreements.
Fueling this transformation has been a sustained period of impressive growth. According to PROCOMER’s analysis, the nation’s exports have expanded at an average annual rate of 8% between 2014 and 2024. This consistent growth has been driven by a structural change in the composition of its offerings. The data reveals a decisive move towards sophistication and specialization, demanding a highly skilled workforce and adherence to the strictest international standards.
Nowhere is this shift more evident than in the country’s leading sectors. Advanced manufacturing, including life sciences and medical devices, now constitutes a commanding 84% of the industrial goods macro-sector. Similarly, knowledge-intensive services, such as software development and corporate support centers, account for 58% of all service exports. This demonstrates a successful transition from a commodity-based economy to one founded on innovation and specialized talent.
The benefits of this export model have extended deep into the Costa Rican labor market. By 2024, the export sector was responsible for generating over 709,000 jobs. Importantly, this growth has been inclusive, with women comprising a significant 43% of the workforce in export-related activities. The study also refutes the notion that this economic success is confined to the capital, noting that nearly 19% of all export activity is located outside the Greater Metropolitan Area, spreading prosperity to other regions.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER, emphasized that this evolution was the result of a deliberate and collaborative long-term vision between the public and private sectors. She noted that the country’s success is a testament to its ability to adapt and compete on a global scale.
Going from four main export products in the early 80s to more than four thousand today is evidence of an economy that learned to transform, innovate, and compete in increasingly demanding markets. This study shows how diversification expands opportunities, creates employment, and strengthens economic development in all regions of the country.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
This strategic diversification has also been geographic. While the United States remains its principal trading partner, Costa Rica has made significant inroads into other key global markets. Data through September 2025 shows powerful growth in exports to Europe (+18%) and Asia (+39%), underscoring the success of a strategy aimed at expanding market reach and reducing dependence on any single destination.
Looking ahead, the PROCOMER study concludes that Costa Rica is entering a new phase of its export development. With a more sophisticated and resilient productive base, the nation is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging global trends. The analysis identifies major opportunities in nearshoring, digitalization, the global transition to clean energy, and the continued expansion of knowledge-based services—all areas where Costa Rica has already built significant capacity and a strong international reputation.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Foreign Trade Agency of Costa Rica (Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica) is the public, non-state entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. PROCOMER works to support the country’s export sector through market intelligence, trade promotion events, and facilitating the internationalization of Costa Rican companies. It also plays a key role in the country’s strategy for attracting foreign direct investment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a persistent drive for professional excellence. The firm harmonizes a deep-seated tradition of client service with a forward-looking mindset, consistently advancing innovative legal solutions. Central to its philosophy is a profound dedication to strengthening society by demystifying complex legal concepts, ensuring that knowledge serves as a tool for public empowerment.
