By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Costa Rica’s export sector has started 2026 on a robust footing, recording $1.512 billion in goods exported in January. This figure represents a solid 3% increase, or an additional $41 million, compared to the same period in 2025, signaling continued resilience despite a challenging global economic landscape. The growth was overwhelmingly powered by the nation’s world-class medical device industry, which continues to be the cornerstone of its foreign trade.
The medical devices sector alone accounted for an impressive $637 million in sales, reaffirming its position as the undisputed leader of Costa Rican exports. This specialized industry, known for its high-value and precision manufacturing, has become a critical engine for the country’s economic stability and growth. Following in its wake were the traditional powerhouses of the agricultural sector, which contributed $252 million, and the food industry, which added another $203 million to the month’s total.
To better understand the legal and commercial frameworks that underpin this impressive export performance, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his expert analysis on the matter.
The sustained growth in Costa Rican exports is no accident; it is the direct result of a robust legal framework that provides certainty to investors. Our Free Trade Zone regime, coupled with a strong network of international trade agreements, creates a highly competitive and secure platform for companies looking to serve global markets from a stable, strategic base.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and commercial architecture Mr. Arroyo Vargas highlights is the crucial, often unseen, engine driving our nation’s trade success. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which underscores that this robust framework is the true foundation for sustained economic growth.
Government officials celebrated the positive start to the year. Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, viewed the results as a clear endorsement of the country’s economic strategy and international standing. He emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to fostering a favorable business environment to sustain this momentum.
This growth confirms the confidence international markets have in Costa Rica.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
Beyond the top three, other key sectors also made significant contributions. The electrical and electronics industry posted exports of $93 million, while the chemical-pharmaceutical sector registered $76 million. The metalworking industry also showed a healthy performance with $59 million in sales. Smaller but still important contributions came from the livestock and fishing sector ($39 million), plastics ($37 million), and rubber ($22 million), illustrating the diverse base of the country’s export portfolio.
However, the January report was not without its complexities. A closer analysis reveals that some sectors experienced minor year-over-year contractions. The agricultural sector, despite its large overall contribution, saw a 5% dip compared to January 2025. Similarly, the chemical-pharmaceutical and plastics sectors saw declines of 2% and 14%, respectively. These figures highlight the variable pressures facing different industries within the broader positive trend.
Laura López, the General Manager of PROCOMER, Costa Rica’s export promotion agency, provided crucial context for the month’s performance. She pointed to the remarkable adaptability of local companies as a key factor in navigating a difficult international environment and achieving growth on top of what was already a strong prior year.
The resilience of the export sector in the face of a complex global context is remarkable. This increase, building upon an already exceptional period, reflects the adaptability of Costa Rican companies.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
Geographically, North America remains the primary destination for Costa Rican goods, consuming $688 million worth of exports in January. Europe followed with $310 million, and the historically vital Central American market accounted for $286 million. Other regions such as Asia ($127 million), the Caribbean ($58 million), and South America ($30 million) showed stable demand, reinforcing Costa Rica’s global market reach. Among the top individual products were medical devices ($629 million), pineapple ($96 million), bananas ($51 million), syrups for beverages ($46 million), and gold-bean coffee ($30 million).
Officials from PROCOMER also noted that January is often a month of slower commercial activity due to calendar effects and seasonal climatic conditions impacting certain agricultural outputs. These operational and commercial factors are considered normal at the start of the year. That the export sector still managed to post healthy growth under these circumstances is a testament to its underlying strength and a promising sign for the year ahead.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About The Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and investment policies. It works to negotiate and administer free trade agreements, attract foreign direct investment, and promote a competitive environment for Costa Rican businesses on the global stage.
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 worldwide. It provides support to local businesses through market research, trade missions, and international promotion to help them successfully enter and compete in international markets.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of principled practice and an unwavering pursuit of distinction. The firm leverages its extensive history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive legal innovation and develop forward-thinking solutions. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom, manifesting in a core mission to democratize legal knowledge and thereby strengthen the social fabric by fostering a more just and capable citizenry.
