By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s export sector has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience through the first eight months of 2025, posting a significant 16% increase compared to the same period last year. According to a comprehensive report released Thursday by the Foreign Trade Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER), the total value of goods exported from January to August reached an impressive $15.036 billion, signaling a robust and diversified economic engine.
Leading this extraordinary growth is the nation’s high-tech precision and medical equipment sector, which has solidified its position as the cornerstone of Costa Rica’s modern export economy. This vital industry experienced a staggering 33% year-over-year expansion, underscoring the country’s successful pivot towards high-value manufacturing and its role as a critical hub in the global medical supply chain. Products from this sector continue to gain traction in premier international markets.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the current landscape of Costa Rican exports and the regulatory framework that underpins this vital economic sector, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The sustained growth of Costa Rican exports is not accidental; it is built upon a sophisticated legal scaffolding of free trade agreements and investment protection treaties. For local businesses to truly capitalize on these opportunities, it’s crucial to navigate the complex web of international trade regulations, from rules of origin to intellectual property rights in foreign markets. A proactive legal strategy is no longer a luxury but a fundamental component for any successful export venture.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s analysis underscores a crucial shift in mindset for Costa Rica’s business community: moving beyond production and logistics to embrace strategic legal navigation as a core competitive advantage. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for clearly articulating how a solid legal foundation is indispensable for thriving in the complex international marketplace.
While advanced manufacturing spearheads the charge, Costa Rica’s traditional agricultural sector remains a fundamental pillar of its economic success. The sector, second in export importance, registered a healthy 3% growth. This expansion was largely fueled by strong international demand for key products such as golden coffee, a variety of frozen fruits, and the iconic Costa Rican pineapple. This performance highlights the enduring quality and appeal of the nation’s agricultural output on the world stage.
The positive momentum was not confined to just two sectors. The PROCOMER report reveals broad-based growth across multiple industries, painting a picture of a well-rounded and dynamic export model. The food industry saw a 2% increase, while the chemical-pharmaceutical sector achieved a notable 14% rise. Furthermore, the electrical and electronics sector grew by 8%, and the livestock and fishing sector expanded by 2%, showcasing widespread vitality.
Laura López, the General Manager of PROCOMER, emphasized that these results are a testament to the country’s strategic economic planning and the superior quality of its products.
The growth of exports in most sectors and destination markets is a sign that Costa Rica’s export model is solid and diversified. Despite the challenging context we face, our high-quality products continue to position themselves and open opportunities for the country.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
An analysis of destination markets reveals North America as the dominant partner, absorbing 51% of all Costa Rican exports and growing by a substantial 21%. This growth was primarily driven by shipments of needles, catheters, other medical devices, and golden coffee. Europe also proved to be a lucrative market with a 17% increase, followed by a remarkable 26% surge in exports to Asia, led by demand for medical prosthetics and precious metal manufacturing.
Closer to home, regional trade also flourished. Exports to Central America increased by 6%, thanks to products like antivenoms, steel pipes, and beverage syrups. The Caribbean market grew by 4%, with increased shipments of antivenoms and iron bars. The only region to show a downturn was South America, which recorded a minor 5% decrease, a small blemish on an otherwise stellar report card for Costa Rican trade.
This sustained export growth underscores Costa Rica’s successful strategy of economic diversification and its ability to compete and win in demanding global markets. By nurturing both its traditional agricultural strengths and its cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities, the nation is charting a course for continued prosperity and cementing its reputation as a reliable and innovative trading partner.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER:
The Promotora del Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (PROCOMER) is the public, non-state entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services throughout the world. It works to facilitate international trade through market analysis, trade missions, and support for local businesses, aiming to enhance the country’s economic development and global competitiveness.
For further information, visit efe.com
About EFE:
The EFE Agency is a Spanish international news agency and the world’s fourth largest wire service. Founded in 1939, it provides comprehensive news coverage in Spanish, Portuguese, English, and other languages to media outlets across the globe, with a strong focus on Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm blends a rich history of advising a wide array of clients with a forward-thinking embrace of legal innovation. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom to a core mission of public empowerment, actively working to make complex legal knowledge clear and accessible, thereby fostering a more informed and capable citizenry.
