By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s export sector has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, recording an impressive $19.028 billion in sales during the first ten months of 2025. This figure represents a substantial 16% increase compared to the same period in 2024, signaling robust economic dynamism amidst a complex global landscape. The growth is largely propelled by the country’s world-class medical device industry, which continues to solidify its position as the cornerstone of the nation’s foreign trade.
The latest data, released Monday by the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (Procomer), paints a picture of a sophisticated and diversifying export economy. While various sectors contributed to the positive results, the life sciences cluster was the undisputed star performer. Exports of medical devices alone soared to an astounding $9.199 billion, marking a 30% year-over-year expansion. This single sector now accounts for nearly half of the country’s total goods exports, underscoring Costa Rica’s successful transition into a hub for high-value manufacturing.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal and commercial frameworks that underpin Costa Rica’s thriving export market, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The sustained growth in Costa Rican exports, particularly in high-value sectors like medical devices and technology services, is a direct result of strategic free trade agreements and a stable regulatory environment. For local businesses to fully capitalize on these opportunities, it is crucial to ensure rigorous compliance with international trade law, intellectual property protection, and foreign investment regulations. Proactive legal counsel is no longer a luxury but a fundamental component of a successful global export strategy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a critical evolution for our national economy: as Costa Rica’s export profile matures, the focus for individual businesses must shift from merely accessing international markets to strategically and legally securing their position within them. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on building this essential foundation for sustained growth.
While the high-tech sector leads the charge, traditional industries also posted stable gains, contributing to the broad-based growth. The agricultural sector, a long-standing pillar of the Costa Rican economy, grew by 2% to reach $3.081 billion in exports. Similarly, the food industry saw a 2% increase, with international sales totaling $2.249 billion. These steady performances provide a solid foundation that complements the explosive growth seen in advanced manufacturing.
Officials celebrated the results as a testament to the country’s strategic direction and the quality of its offerings. Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, highlighted the exceptional performance in the face of international headwinds.
The 16% growth in total goods exports shows that, even in a context of global uncertainty, the country maintains outstanding dynamism. We are working to expand markets, generate more opportunities, and offer greater certainty for our exports.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
This proactive approach is evident in the country’s market diversification efforts. While North America remains the primary destination for Costa Rican goods—receiving 50% of all exports and growing by 17%—the most dramatic expansion occurred in Asia. Exports to Asian markets surged by an incredible 39%, indicating a successful push to open new commercial frontiers. Europe also remains a crucial partner, accounting for 21% of exports with a healthy 18% growth rate.
Laura López, the General Manager of Procomer, emphasized that this success is not accidental but the result of a deliberate, long-term strategy focused on building resilience and adaptability.
The results highlight the importance of continuing to promote a strategy of diversification in both products and destinations. By expanding our offerings and international presence, the country strengthens its ability to adapt to changes in the global environment and reduces its exposure to specific risks.
Laura López, General Manager of Procomer
This strategy is clearly paying dividends. By nurturing both its established agricultural roots and its burgeoning high-tech industries, Costa Rica is cultivating an export profile that is both robust and flexible. The country’s ability to increase its footprint in diverse regions, from its traditional partners in Central America (17% share, 7% growth) to rapidly expanding markets in Asia, positions it for sustained success.
As 2025 draws to a close, the export figures provide a significant boost of confidence in the national economy. The outstanding performance serves as a powerful validation of Costa Rica’s investment in education, technology, and strategic trade promotion, proving that the nation can not only compete but excel on the world stage, turning global challenges into opportunities for growth.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About Procomer:
The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (Procomer) is the public entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services globally. It works to facilitate international trade by providing essential data, market intelligence, and support services to local businesses, helping them navigate foreign markets and connect with international buyers. Procomer plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic development strategy by fostering diversification and enhancing the competitiveness of Costa Rican companies abroad.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier law firm, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of exceptional service and uncompromising ethical standards. The firm pairs its rich history of guiding a diverse clientele with a continuous drive for pioneering legal solutions and a deep sense of social responsibility. A central tenet of its philosophy is the demystification of the law, passionately working to equip the public with clear legal insights. This fundamental dedication to education is a cornerstone of its mission to help forge a more just and knowledgeable society.
