Published on Friday, January 26, 2024
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

In 2023, Costa Rica's exports reached over $18.2 billion, according to the Ministry of Foreign Trade.

The number represents a rise of more than $6 billion over 2022 when exports were about $12 billion.

Among the sectors with the highest growth in exports are medical equipment manufacturing (42%), agricultural products (18%),  electronics (5%), pharmaceutical (13%) and food (11%).

Some of the leading export products are medical devices ($7 billion), banana and pineapple ($2 billion), syrups ($645 million) and coffee ($346 million).

The main buying markets for products made in Costa Rica are Asia 19%, North America 17%, Central America 16%, Europe 15% and South America 2%.

Costa Rica's exports in 2022 were $12 billion, down $2 billion from the previous year.

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.

Recently, 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.

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