On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced sweeping new import tariffs on goods from nearly 60 countries, calling the move "a declaration of economic independence."


The tariffs range from 10%, including for Costa Rica, to 50% for nations such as Lesotho."


Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles briefly addressed the measure during a press conference at the Presidential House in San José following a government council meeting. "We have to analyze it to know how to respond," he said.


Chaves likened the situation to a rising tide lifting all boats, noting that Costa Rica must adapt to a “new reality.” However, he emphasized that "the U.S. is not punishing Costa Rica specifically," as the country faces the lowest tariff rate of 10%.

According to the U.S. White House, higher tariffs will apply to "the worst offenders," including certain Asian and African nations. Officials said the measure was necessary to counter foreign countries that have long imposed high tariffs and other trade barriers on American goods.

Declaring a national economic emergency, Trump stated that the U.S. had been "looted, pillaged, raped, and plundered by nations near and far, both friend and foe alike, for more than five decades."

The new tariff structure includes 50% for Lesotho, 46% for Vietnam, 36% for Thailand and 34% for China among others.

   

The White House announced that the U.S. will begin implementing the 10% minimum tariffs for Costa Rica on Saturday, April 5. Higher taxes for certain nations will take effect on Wednesday, April 9.

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 primary market for Costa Rica's exports is the U.S., achieving $9.5 billion.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Melinda Hildebrand, as the next U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica. However, no information has been released regarding hearings on her nomination before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.