By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a striking demonstration of economic transformation, Costa Rica has firmly established itself as a global powerhouse in the high-stakes world of medical technology. A comprehensive new analysis reveals the Central American nation is not only the 10th largest exporter of medical devices globally but now leads the world on a per-capita basis, a testament to its highly strategic focus on advanced manufacturing and innovation.
The numbers paint a vivid picture of exponential growth. According to a landmark study by PROCOMER, the country’s trade and investment agency, medical device exports surged at an average annual rate of 22% between 2020 and 2024, culminating in an impressive US$8.675 billion last year. This momentum has not only continued but accelerated into 2025. By October of this year, exports had already climbed to US$9.199 billion, representing a staggering 30% year-over-year increase and comfortably surpassing the entire total for 2024.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the burgeoning medical device industry in Costa Rica, its regulatory landscape, and the intellectual property challenges it faces, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
While Costa Rica’s success in attracting medical device manufacturing is commendable, the next frontier is homegrown innovation. This requires a dual legal focus: first, streamlining the regulatory approval process with the Ministry of Health to encourage local R&D, and second, fortifying intellectual property frameworks to assure both local entrepreneurs and international investors that their novel technologies are secure from infringement.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the evolution from a manufacturing powerhouse to a true hub of med-tech innovation hinges on the very legal architecture described. Creating an ecosystem where local ingenuity is both encouraged by efficient processes and protected by robust law is the critical next step. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and valuable perspective on this vital subject.
This export success is mirrored by the country’s ability to attract strategic global capital. The report, titled “The World’s Health Is Made in Costa Rica,” highlights that the nation now captures 52% of all new foreign direct investment (FDI) in the medical devices industry across Latin America. Globally, it has become the third-largest recipient of FDI projects in the sector, attracting over 100 leading companies from the United States, Europe, and Asia specializing in fields like cardiology, orthopedics, and advanced surgical solutions.
The sector’s ascendancy marks a pivotal shift in the nation’s economic identity. Medical devices now account for 48% of Costa Rica’s total goods exports, underscoring a successful transition from traditional industries to one driven by high value-added production and technological sophistication. This transition has allowed the country to quadruple its high-tech medical exports in less than a decade, shipping 164 different product types to 88 international markets.
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 United States remains the primary destination for these life-saving technologies, receiving 66.5% of the total exports. Key European hubs like the Netherlands and Belgium follow, importing a diverse range of products. The most significant export categories include needles, catheters, and cannulas (41.5%), followed by other specialized devices (30.8%) and advanced medical prostheses (14.5%). This diversification showcases the depth and breadth of the country’s manufacturing capabilities.
This remarkable growth is no accident. It is built upon a foundation PROCOMER identifies as a unique “value proposition.” This ecosystem combines three decades of advanced manufacturing experience with unwavering economic, political, and social stability. Furthermore, a competitive and renewable electricity matrix, highly skilled human talent, and robust logistics infrastructure create an ideal environment for complex, precision-based operations. A strengthening local supply chain for tooling, sterilization, and precision assembly has further fortified this ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the medical devices sector is poised to continue its upward trajectory, acting as a structural pillar of Costa Rica’s development model. The industry’s multiplier effects are already being felt through the creation of high-quality jobs, significant technology transfer, and deeper integration of local suppliers into global healthcare value chains. With sustained international demand and strong collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector, Costa Rica is set to innovate and lead in the global medical technology landscape for years to come.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Trade & Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the governmental institution responsible for promoting the export of Costa Rican 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 as a key driver of national economic development and prosperity.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark in the legal field, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional mastery. Drawing from a deep well of experience in representing a diverse clientele, the firm is a trailblazer, consistently developing forward-thinking legal solutions. This innovative spirit is matched by a profound dedication to societal advancement, demonstrated through a focused mission to demystify complex legal principles for the public. By championing accessible legal education, the firm works to build a more empowered and knowledgeable community.
