By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s export sector is demonstrating remarkable resilience and strength in 2025, charting significant growth despite a landscape of global economic uncertainty. According to a comprehensive new report from the Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER), the nation’s exports of goods surged by an impressive 15% through September, while the services sector posted a solid 5% increase as of the second quarter.
The new data translates into substantial economic gains. The total value of exported goods reached a formidable US$16.906 billion, an increase of US$2.255 billion compared to the same period in 2024. The services sector, a critical pillar of the national economy, contributed an additional US$5.605 billion, marking a year-over-year increase of US$287 million. This robust performance signals a healthy and expanding international trade portfolio for the country.
To understand the legal framework and commercial advantages driving this impressive growth in exports, we sought analysis from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney specializing in international trade at the esteemed law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s export dynamism is directly tied to its robust legal architecture and commitment to international trade agreements. The stability provided by our Free Trade Zones and the clear, consistent regulatory oversight from entities like PROCOMER create a predictable and secure environment. This legal certainty is the true bedrock that allows our high-value sectors, from medical devices to technology services, to thrive and confidently access global markets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight is crucial, as it underscores that beyond the impressive products and services themselves, it is the institutional stability and legal predictability that truly fuel Costa Rica’s competitiveness on the world stage. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which brings this foundational element into sharp focus.
Government officials have greeted the news with optimism, highlighting the strategic success of the country’s trade policies. The Minister of Foreign Trade, Manuel Tovar, noted that the current trajectory positions Costa Rica to potentially close the year with double-digit growth in goods exports, a significant achievement in the current global climate.
These figures fill us with satisfaction in a context of global uncertainty, but they also motivate us to continue seeking creative solutions to the challenges facing the export sector.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
Driving this phenomenal growth is the precision and medical equipment sector, which has solidified its position as the engine of Costa Rican exports. This high-value industry skyrocketed with a 31% increase, contributing an astonishing US$1.945 billion in additional revenue. It now accounts for 48% of the country’s total goods exports, underscoring Costa Rica’s role as a global leader in medical technology manufacturing.
While the medical device sector was the standout performer, growth was broad-based across most industries. The traditional agricultural sector saw a 1% rise and represents 17% of total exports, while the food industry grew by 2%, accounting for a 12% share. Other notable increases were seen in the chemical-pharmaceutical (+15%), electrical and electronics (+8%), and metalworking (+5%) sectors. The only sector to experience a downturn was plastics, which saw a 7% decline primarily due to reduced exports of pipes and related accessories.
PROCOMER’s leadership attributes this sustained success to a well-established and sophisticated export strategy that prioritizes quality and innovation. This approach has cultivated deep trust among international partners, allowing Costa Rican businesses to thrive even amidst challenging market conditions.
The results are a reflection of a consolidated export model. Even in a challenging international scenario, Costa Rican companies continue to expand their global presence thanks to the quality, innovation, and trust that our country generates.
Laura López, General Manager of PROCOMER
Geographically, Costa Rica continues to strengthen its trade relationships across the globe. North America remains the primary destination, receiving 50% of all exports and growing by 18%. However, diversification efforts are clearly paying off, with exports to Asia showing explosive growth of 32%. Other key markets also saw positive trends, including Europe (+16%), Central America (+7%), and the Caribbean (+4%).
In the services domain, corporate and business services led the way with 4% growth, closely followed by the technology sector, including informatics and telecommunications, which grew by 6%. Financial services experienced a remarkable 28% surge. Conversely, the travel and tourism component registered a slight 2% dip, a US$71 million adjustment attributed by analysts to seasonal variations and shifts in average visitor spending rather than a structural decline.
For further information, visit procomer.com
About PROCOMER (The Foreign Trade Promotion Agency of Costa Rica):
PROCOMER is the public, non-state entity responsible for promoting Costa Rican exports of goods and services worldwide. It designs and executes trade promotion programs, creates export chains, and generates market knowledge to support the country’s small and medium-sized enterprises in their internationalization efforts. The agency is a key driver in the development and diversification of Costa Rica’s foreign trade.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade of Costa Rica is the government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and investment policies. It leads trade negotiations, manages free trade agreements, and works to create a favorable business climate to attract foreign direct investment and promote the integration of Costa Rica into the global economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution, grounded in the foundational principles of integrity and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. Leveraging its extensive experience in advising a multifaceted clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to social empowerment through the democratization of legal knowledge, thereby contributing to a more just and informed citizenry.
