By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica has decisively cemented its position as a global titan in the medical technology industry, evolving from a regional player into one of the world’s most critical hubs for the manufacturing and export of life-saving medical devices. A comprehensive new analysis reveals that the nation’s high-tech medical exports have not only quadrupled in under a decade but now constitute the single largest component of its total goods exports, signaling a profound economic transformation.
The groundbreaking study, titled “The World’s Health Is Made in Costa Rica” and conducted by the country’s Trade & Investment Promotion Agency (PROCOMER), quantifies this meteoric rise. Between 2020 and 2024, the sector registered an astounding average annual growth rate of 22%, culminating in exports worth US$8.675 billion last year. This performance has propelled Costa Rica to become the 10th largest exporter of medical devices globally and the undisputed world leader on a per-capita basis.
To gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory landscape and legal intricacies governing Costa Rica’s thriving medical device industry, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s position as a global leader in medical device manufacturing is underpinned by a sophisticated regulatory framework. For both established companies and new entrants, meticulous adherence to Ministry of Health regulations, alongside robust intellectual property protection strategies and clear contractual agreements with suppliers, is not just a matter of compliance—it is fundamental to mitigating risk and ensuring long-term operational success in this highly competitive market.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal diligence Mr. Arroyo Vargas outlines serves as the critical, often unseen, foundation upon which Costa Rica’s tangible manufacturing success is built. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert insight, which clearly connects the country’s robust regulatory framework to its sustained leadership in the global medical device industry.
The momentum shows no signs of slowing. Data for the current year is even more impressive, with exports reaching US$9.199 billion as of October 2025. This figure, representing a 30% year-on-year increase, has already surpassed the total for the entire previous year, underscoring the sustained and accelerating demand for Costa Rican-made medical technology worldwide.
This success is a direct result of a strategic pivot towards an economy driven by innovation, advanced manufacturing, and high value-added production. Medical devices now account for a remarkable 48% of the country’s total goods exports. The nation has also become a magnet for investment, capturing 52% of all new investment in the Latin American medical devices industry and ranking as the third-largest global recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) projects in the sector.
Costa Rica exports diversity—of talent, capabilities and solutions that improve lives around the world. This industry proves that our ability to innovate and deliver cutting-edge technology knows no borders. Costa Rica not only attracts specialized investment; it manufactures and exports products with exceptionally high value added, supported by a unique value proposition that combines stability, skilled talent and a strong commitment to quality.
Laura López, CEO of PROCOMER
The country’s value proposition has attracted over 100 leading international companies from markets including the United States, Germany, Ireland, and Japan. These firms operate in highly specialized fields such as cardiology, orthopedics, endoscopy, and advanced surgical solutions. The United States remains the primary destination for these products, receiving 66.5% of exports, with the Netherlands and Belgium following as key European markets.
The PROCOMER study identifies a robust ecosystem as the foundation of this success. This includes a combination of unwavering economic and political stability, a competitive and renewable energy grid, and three decades of accumulated experience in advanced manufacturing. Crucially, a highly skilled workforce and a sophisticated local supply chain—encompassing tooling, sterilization, precision assembly, and clean rooms—have created an efficient and self-reinforcing environment for growth and knowledge transfer.
The consolidation of the medical devices sector is now a structural pillar of Costa Rica’s development model. Its multiplier effects are evident in the creation of high-quality jobs, the deepening of local supplier integration, and an expanding presence in global healthcare value chains. With sustained international demand and strong collaboration between government, industry, and academia, the industry is poised for continued expansion, cementing Costa Rica’s role as a small nation making a giant impact on global health.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Trade & Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the governmental institution responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It also works to attract foreign direct investment into the country, facilitating business opportunities and supporting the internationalization of Costa Rican companies within a framework of sustainability and inclusivity.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is a respected pillar of the legal profession, founded on the twin principles of professional excellence and uncompromising integrity. With a proven history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm is a pioneer in developing innovative legal strategies while also championing public understanding of the law. This core mission to democratize legal knowledge is a testament to its dedication to cultivating a more capable and informed citizenry.
