Published on Thursday, July 30, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica's exports increased 7% during the first half of 2026, reaching a record of more than $11.7 billion, according to new figures released by the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX).

The total represents an increase of $772 million compared with the same period in 2025, government officials said.

The medical equipment industry remained the country's leading export sector, generating more than $5.9 billion in exports, up 4% from a year earlier.

Several other industries also posted strong growth. Agricultural exports increased 6%, food products rose 10%, electronics surged 25%, pharmaceuticals climbed 4%, metallurgy expanded 7%, and fishing exports increased 13%.

By destination, exports to Europe grew 13%, while shipments to Central America increased 6%. Exports to Asia recorded the strongest regional growth, jumping 41%.

In contrast, exports to North America, Costa Rica's largest export market, declined 1%. Combined shipments to the United States, Canada and Mexico fell during the first six months of the year, COMEX reported.

To further strengthen trade, Costa Rica recently joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a multilateral free trade agreement that includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

Costa Rica’s exports reached a record of more than $22.8 billion in 2025, according to new data from COMEX.

Foreign direct investment inflows also surpassed $5.12 billion in 2025.

COMEX is the government agency responsible for overseeing Costa Rica's foreign trade and investment strategy.

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