Published on Thursday, October 1, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Costa Rica’s exports increased 4% as of August, reaching a record of more than $15.6 billion, according to new figures released by the Ministry of Foreign Trade, known as COMEX.

The total represents an increase of $665 million compared with the same period in 2025, officials said.

The medical equipment industry remained the country’s leading export sector, generating more than $7.2 billion in exports, a 1% increase from a year earlier.

Several other industries also posted strong growth. Electronics exports surged 18%, fishing increased 12%, food products rose 8%, agriculture increased 6%,  metallurgy expanded 6%, and pharmaceuticals climbed 2%.

By destination, exports to Asia recorded the strongest regional growth, jumping 25%, Europe grew 10%, while shipments to Central America increased 9% and exports to South America rose 8%.

In contrast, exports to North America, Costa Rica’s largest export market, declined 2%. Combined shipments to the United States, Canada and Mexico fell during the first eight months of the year, COMEX reported.

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

In related developments, Costa Rica recently hosted the second edition of the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit, bringing together local companies and international buyers seeking products and services made and provided in Costa Rica.

To improve exports, Costa Rica recently opened the first private laboratory dedicated to producing medical cannabis-derived products, marking a new development in the country’s emerging medical cannabis industry.

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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What strategy should Costa Rica take to further expand its export sector? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com