As of September, Costa Rica's exports reached over $14.6 billion, according to the Ministry of Foreign Trade.


The number represents a rise of more than $1 billion during the same period in 2023 when exports were about $13.5 billion.


Among the sectors with the highest growth in exports were 13% in medical equipment manufacturing (or about $721 million), 5% in agricultural products (equal to $141 million),  5% in food (approximately $84 million).


Some leading export products were medical devices increasing by 43%, pineapple growing by 7%, bananas rising by 5%, syrups improving by 4% and coffee rising by 2%.

The main export markets for products made in Costa Rica were the U.S. and Canada increasing by 11%, Europe growing by 10%, South America improving by 9% and Central America rising by 3%.

In 2023, Costa Rica's exports reached over $18.2 billion. The number represents a rise of more than $6 billion over 2022 when exports were about $12 billion.

To increase exports, in 2022, Costa Rica legalized medical cannabis and hemp production. However, recreational use, self-cultivation, and self-consumption of cannabis are still illegal.

In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture granted the state-owned National University (UNA) authorization to import hemp seed from Canada to grow and develop research on the plant.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX), is the state-owned organization that manages the country's foreign trade and investment policies.


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What other products should Costa Rica export? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com