Costa Rica and Israel signed a free trade agreement on Monday aimed at boosting exports and investment between the two countries, the Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) announced.

The signing took place in Jerusalem, with Costa Rica’s foreign trade minister, Manuel Tovar, and Israel’s economy and industry minister, Nir Barkat, in attendance.

According to COMEX, the agreement will eliminate more than 90% of tariff barriers and establish rules to facilitate the expansion of bilateral trade and investment. The ministry said the accord is expected to increase Costa Rican exports to Israel, a market of about 10 million consumers with a high income level.

“The signing of this agreement not only opens the door to new exports, but represents a strategic opportunity to position Costa Rica as a competitive supplier in high-tech sectors, quality agribusiness, and specialized services,” Tovar said. “It strengthens the country’s international integration and creates space for high-value sectors such as technology, agribusiness, digital services, and advanced manufacturing.”

COMEX said Costa Rica offers Israel agricultural goods, advanced manufactured products, business services, and information technology.

“This historic agreement reflects the deep friendship between Israel and Costa Rica, as well as our shared vision for growth driven by innovation and technology,” Barkat said.

Costa Rica also plans to open a trade and innovation office in Jerusalem, Israel, in early 2026. President Rodrigo Chaves Robles is expected to attend the inauguration ceremony.

Costa Rica’s exports reached $19.8 billion in 2024, an increase of more than $1.6 billion from 2023, according to COMEX. That same year, Costa Rican exports to Israel totaled $20 million, while imports from Israel reached about $34 million.

The signing marks the conclusion of negotiations that began in 2023, the ministry said.

Before the agreement can take effect, it must be submitted to the Congress (Asamblea Legislativa), where lawmakers will review the text and decide whether to approve or reject it.


Israel is currently carrying out a major military operation in the Gaza Strip, a densely populated Palestinian territory on the eastern Mediterranean coast that borders Israel to the north and east and Egypt to the southwest. The operation began in October 2023, and its stated goals are to dismantle Hamas, free hostages, prevent future threats from the group, and allow displaced residents of northern Israel to return home. Estimates indicate that more than 68,500 people have been killed since the conflict began.

COMEX oversees Costa Rica’s trade and investment policies.

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