Costa Rica exports $18 billion annually to the US — here is how to participate

Costa Rica has emerged as one of Central America’s most stable and prosperous economies, driven by a strong export-oriented manufacturing sector, a robust services industry, and a commitment to environmental sustainability. The United States remains Costa Rica’s largest trading partner, accounting for roughly 40% of its total trade. In 2023, bilateral trade in goods between the two countries exceeded $18 billion, reflecting a deep and growing commercial relationship underpinned by the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). For U.S. businesses, Costa Rica offers a gateway to the region, a skilled workforce, and preferential access to a market that values high-quality imports and innovative solutions.

Top Import Sectors from the United States

Costa Rica relies heavily on U.S. goods to fuel its manufacturing, technology, and consumer sectors. The top U.S. exports to Costa Rica include medical instruments and supplies, petroleum oils, machinery and mechanical appliances, electrical machinery, and plastics. In 2023, U.S. exports of medical devices and equipment to Costa Rica were valued at approximately $1.2 billion, reflecting the country’s growing medical technology cluster. Petroleum oils and refined products, primarily for transportation and industrial use, accounted for nearly $800 million in U.S. exports. Machinery and mechanical appliances, including computers and industrial equipment, added another $700 million. These imports support Costa Rica’s advanced manufacturing plants, many of which are operated by multinational corporations in free trade zones. The demand for U.S. agricultural products is also significant: corn, wheat, soybeans, and processed foods consistently rank among top imports, with total agricultural exports from the U.S. reaching over $700 million in 2023. The consistency and quality of U.S. goods, combined with tariff advantages under CAFTA-DR, make the United States the preferred supplier for Costa Rican importers across multiple sectors.

Top Export Opportunities to the United States

Costa Rica’s export basket to the United States is heavily concentrated in high-value manufactured goods and specialized agricultural products. Medical devices and surgical instruments are the largest export category, with shipments to the U.S. totaling over $3.5 billion in 2023. Costa Rica is a global hub for medical device manufacturing, hosting facilities for companies like Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Abbott. Bananas and pineapples remain iconic Costa Rican exports, with the country being one of the world’s top suppliers of both fruits to the U.S. market. In 2023, banana exports to the U.S. were valued at approximately $1.1 billion, while pineapple exports reached $900 million. Coffee, particularly high-altitude Arabica beans, continues to find a premium niche in the U.S. market, with exports exceeding $150 million annually. Other notable exports include electronic components, optical instruments, and tropical plants. The U.S. market’s demand for sustainable and ethically sourced products aligns well with Costa Rica’s strong environmental credentials, creating additional opportunities for exporters who can certify organic, fair trade, or carbon-neutral production. The country’s proximity to the United States, with direct shipping routes and air cargo connections, further enhances its competitiveness for perishable goods and time-sensitive medical supplies.

Business Entry and Regulatory Overview

Entering the Costa Rican market requires navigating a regulatory environment that is generally transparent but can be bureaucratic. The country’s legal system is based on civil law, and contracts are enforceable through local courts. Foreign investors are treated equally under the law, with no general restrictions on foreign ownership. The key regulatory bodies include the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) for business registration, the Ministry of Finance for tax and customs matters, and the Ministry of Health for product-specific approvals, particularly for food, pharmaceuticals, and medical devices. Costa Rica operates several free trade zones that offer significant incentives, including 100% exemption from import duties on raw materials, capital goods, and equipment, as well as income tax holidays for up to 12 years. These zones are particularly attractive for manufacturing and service companies. For imports, products must comply with Costa Rican technical standards (INTE) and, where applicable, sanitary and phytosanitary measures. The country generally follows international standards, but local certifications may be required. The customs process is increasingly digitized through the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCE), which streamlines documentation and clearance. Companies should also be aware of the country’s strong labor protections and social security system, which require employers to register workers with the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS). While the business environment is favorable, working with a local legal or trade advisor is highly recommended to navigate registration, tax compliance, and sector-specific regulations efficiently.

Key Ports and Logistics Infrastructure

Costa Rica’s logistics infrastructure is centered on two main ports: Moín Container Terminal on the Caribbean coast and Caldera Port on the Pacific coast. Moín, operated by APM Terminals, is the country’s primary container port and underwent a major expansion completed in 2019, increasing its capacity to handle post-Panamax vessels. It handles the majority of containerized imports and exports, including medical devices and electronics. Caldera Port, managed by the Instituto Costarricense de Puertos del Pacífico, primarily handles bulk cargo, grain, and petroleum products. For air freight, Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José is the principal gateway for high-value and perishable goods, with dedicated cargo facilities and cold storage. The country’s road network is generally well-maintained along the central valley and main corridors, but rural routes can be challenging during the rainy season. Costa Rica does not have a national railway system for freight, so trucking dominates domestic logistics. The country’s strategic location and modernized port infrastructure provide efficient connections to U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports, with transit times of approximately 5 to 7 days. For exporters of fresh produce, the combination of refrigerated containers at Moín and air cargo options ensures that goods reach U.S. markets in optimal condition.

Coppermont Advisory for Costa Rica

Coppermont provides comprehensive trade advisory services for companies looking to import from or export to Costa Rica. Our team of trade analysts and legal experts helps U.S. businesses identify market opportunities, navigate regulatory requirements, and optimize supply chains. For exporters to Costa Rica, we offer market entry assessments, distributor and partner searches, and customs compliance support. For importers of Costa Rican goods, we assist with supplier verification, quality control, and logistics coordination. Our advisory covers the medical device, agricultural, and manufacturing sectors, leveraging our deep network in the region. We also provide guidance on leveraging CAFTA-DR preferences to reduce or eliminate tariffs, and on structuring free trade zone operations. Whether you are a small business exploring your first international trade or a multinational expanding operations, Coppermont offers tailored solutions to mitigate risk and maximize returns. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can help you succeed in the Costa Rican market.