In 2024, Costa Rica’s exports reached $19.8 billion, an increase of more than $1.6 billion (+9%) from the $18.2 billion reported in 2023, according to the Ministry of Foreign Trade.


The medical equipment manufacturing sector led the growth, contributing $1 billion (+14%). Other sectors with notable increases included agricultural products (+7%, $227 million), food (+8%, $182 million), electronics (+11%, $80 million), pharmaceuticals (+3%, $33 million), plastics (+5%, $22 million), fishing (+6%, $21 million) and metallurgy (+1%, $6 million).


The top five export products included medical devices (44%), pineapples (7%), syrups (4%), bananas (6%) and coffee (2%).

The primary markets for Costa Rican exports were North America, with Canada, the United States, and Mexico showing a combined increase of 13%. Europe’s imports grew by 10%, South America’s by 10%, and Central America’s by 2%.

Exports to Asia, however, dropped by 4% due to a decrease in medical device demand, authorities noted.

In 2023, Costa Rica’s exports exceeded $18 billion, marking a $6 billion increase compared to 2022’s $12 billion.

To boost exports, Costa Rica legalized medical cannabis and hemp production in 2022, though recreational use, self-cultivation, and self-consumption remain illegal.

In 2023 the Ministry of Agriculture authorized the National University (UNA), as the first university allowed to import hemp seeds from Canada for research and cultivation.

The Ministry of Foreign Trade (COMEX) oversees the nation’s foreign trade and investment policies.

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