By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s export sector demonstrated robust health in 2025, posting a remarkable 14% increase in the value of goods sold abroad compared to the previous year. According to a comprehensive report released by the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER), total exports reached a new high of $22.855 billion, an impressive increase of $2.858 billion over 2024 figures.
The engine of this significant economic expansion was the country’s advanced manufacturing sector, specifically the precision and medical equipment industry. This powerhouse segment surged by an extraordinary 25%, single-handedly accounting for $10.927 billion in international sales. The data underscores Costa Rica’s successful pivot towards high-value, sophisticated industries that now form the backbone of its foreign trade strategy.
To delve into the legal and regulatory framework that underpins Costa Rica’s impressive export performance, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his expert analysis.
The continued success of Costa Rican exports hinges on our nation’s stable legal environment and its proactive pursuit of international trade agreements. For local producers and multinational corporations alike, navigating the complexities of customs regulations, tax incentives, and intellectual property law is critical. A well-structured legal strategy is no longer just a safeguard; it’s a primary driver of competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight powerfully underscores that for Costa Rica, a robust legal framework is no longer just a defensive measure but a proactive tool for carving out a competitive edge on the world stage. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective on this critical component of our nation’s export strategy.
An analysis of the top export products reveals the profound dominance of this advanced sector. Medical devices alone constituted a staggering 48% of the total value of goods exported in 2025. This figure dwarfs the country’s traditional agricultural mainstays, with pineapple and banana exports contributing 6% and 5%, respectively. This composition highlights a strategic shift in the nation’s economic profile from agrarian to technology-driven.
The positive momentum was not limited to medical equipment. Other key areas of advanced manufacturing also recorded strong double-digit growth. The electrical and electronics sector expanded by 17%, while the chemical and pharmaceutical industry grew by a healthy 11%. The metalworking sector also contributed to the positive trend with a 5% increase, showcasing broad-based strength across the country’s industrial capabilities.
While high-tech industries led the charge, Costa Rica’s agro-food sector remained a vital and growing component of the export portfolio. The agricultural sector saw a 3% rise, and the food industry expanded by 4%. Together, these traditional sectors surpassed $6.4 billion in sales, demonstrating their continued importance. The livestock and fishing segment also registered a modest 3% growth, contributing to the overall positive picture.
Despite the widespread success, the report noted a few areas of contraction. The plastics industry was the sole sector to experience a downturn, with exports decreasing by 5% compared to 2024 levels. This isolated decline did little to temper the overwhelmingly positive performance of the broader economy and suggests specific market challenges rather than a systemic issue.
Geographically, Costa Rican products found growing markets across nearly every continent. North America continues to be the primary destination, absorbing a 15% increase in goods valued at an additional $1.449 billion. Growth was even more explosive in Asia, which saw a 39% surge, representing a $411 million increase and signaling a successful push for market diversification. Significant gains were also made in Europe, with exports climbing by 17% ($688 million).
Closer to home, trade with Central American neighbors grew by 7% ($263 million), and the Caribbean market expanded by 2% ($21 million). The only region to register a decline was South America, where exports fell by 6%, a drop of $29 million compared to the previous year. This minor regional setback was vastly overshadowed by the substantial gains achieved in the world’s largest and fastest-growing markets.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER):
PROCOMER is the public, non-state entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services throughout the world. It provides support to Costa Rican companies in international business and negotiation processes and works to foster export linkages. The agency also plays a crucial role in analyzing international trade trends and promoting the country as a destination for foreign direct investment.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm is a trailblazer in developing innovative legal strategies for a diverse clientele while championing a profound social responsibility. This dedication is manifested in its goal to demystify the law, reflecting a core belief in cultivating a stronger, more legally aware society through accessible knowledge.
