The largest Export From Costa Rica
Here are Costa Rica’s top 10 export product categories for 2024, totaling nearly US $19.9 billion, up nearly 10% from 2023 thecentralamericangroup.com+5worldstopexports.com+5importglobals.com+5:
| 🏅 Rank | Export Category (HS Chapter) | Value (2024) | % of Exports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Optical, technical, medical apparatus (HS 90) | US $8.7 B | 44% |
| 2️⃣ | Fruits & nuts (HS 08) | US $2.8 B | 14% |
| 3️⃣ | Miscellaneous food preparations (HS 21) | US $1.1 B | 5.6% |
| 4️⃣ | Electrical machinery & equipment (HS 85) | US $839 M | 4.2% |
| 5️⃣ | Plastics & plastic articles (HS 39) | US $544 M | 2.7% |
| 6️⃣ | Vegetable/fruit/nut preparations (HS 20) | US $486 M | 2.4% |
| 7️⃣ | Pharmaceutical products (HS 30) | US $452.5 M | 2.3% |
| 8️⃣ | Coffee, tea, spices (HS 09) | US $356.4 M | 1.8% |
| 9️⃣ | Rubber & rubber articles (HS 40) | US $330.1 M | 1.7% |
| 🔟 | Animal/vegetable fats, oils & waxes (HS 15) | US $289.3 M | 1.5% |
🔍 Highlights & Trends
- Medical/technical instruments dominate exports—nearly half of all goods shipped, led by x-ray machines, orthopedic implants, and specialized devices en.wikipedia.org+8worldstopexports.com+8tradingeconomics.com+8.
- Fruits & nuts are the second-largest, driven by bananas, pineapples, avocados, and more .
- Food-related exports—miscellaneous edible preparations and vegetable/fruit/nut products—together account for ~8% of exports.
- High-value manufacturing like electrical machinery, plastics, pharmaceuticals, coffee, and rubber round out the top 10.
- Medical instruments saw the fastest growth among top categories in 2024, at +15% YoY esteri.it+4worldstopexports.com+4id.tradingeconomics.com+4.
🌍 Major Export Destinations
- United States: absorbs 48% of total exports (~US $9.5 B), especially instruments and electronics .
- Other key markets: Netherlands (8.6%), Guatemala (5.2%), Belgium (5%), Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, El Salvador, China, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Spain .
- Regional integration via CAFTA-DR + EU agreements supports growth worldstopexports.com+4en.wikipedia.org+4en.wikipedia.org+4.
📌 Key Insights
- Costa Rica is rapidly evolving from agriculture-based exports to high-value tech and medical manufacturing, with effectively 44% of exports in medical/technical instruments en.wikipedia.org.
- Agricultural staples—bananas, pineapples, coffee—remain critical but now contribute a smaller share compared to high-tech exports.
- Continued export diversification and strong partnerships with the U.S. and EU highlight the country’s strategic shift toward advanced manufacturing.
Here’s a more detailed look at Costa Rica’s exports in “Optical, Technical & Medical Apparatus (HS 90)” for 2023–2024, the country’s largest export category, representing nearly 44% of all exports (~US $8.7 B in 2024) tendata.com+5tendata.com+5tradingeconomics.com+5:
📊 1. Export Scale
- 2023 exports: US $7.6 B — ~42% of total exports (~US $18.1 B) .
- 2024 estimate: US $8.7 B — around 44% of exports, marking it as the standout sector .
- The category grew by +33% in 2023, with further 27% YoY growth in early 2025 (January) esteri.it.
🔬 2. Leading Subcategories
- HS 9018 (Medical & Surgical Instruments): Checked as 31–32% of exports — ~US $5.7 B in 2023, including X-ray machines, surgical equipment, imaging/scanner systems data.un.org.
- HS 9021 (Orthopaedic Appliances & Prosthetics): ~US $1.18 B in exports (~7.7%) — includes hearing aids, splints, artificial limbs tendata.com+1trendeconomy.com+1.
🌍 3. Export Destinations & Trade Structure
- Main export partners (2023):
- United States receives nearly half of total exports (~46%) reddit.com+10tendata.com+10tradingeconomics.com+10.
- Other key destinations: Netherlands (8.4%), Guatemala, Belgium, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras, China, Japan, Dominican Republic, Spain tradingeconomics.com+4tendata.com+4tradeimex.in+4.
- The significant free-zone regime and trade treaties (CAFTA‑DR, EU agreements) support strong diversification .
🏭 4. Industry Insights
- Over 86 multinational medical-device manufacturers operate in Costa Rica, including global leaders in contact lenses, imaging, diagnostics trendeconomy.com+2esteri.it+2tendata.com+2.
- The industry has evolved from low‑cost prod cuts to high-value diagnostics and therapeutic devices, accounting for ~25% of production esteri.it.
- A renewable-energy-powered, skilled workforce combined with tax-free zones underpins competitiveness .
✅ Summary Table
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| 2023 Export Value | US $7.6 B (42% of exports) |
| 2024 Estimate | ~US $8.7 B (~44%) |
| Growth | +33% YoY (2023); +27% Jan 2025 YoY |
| Key Subcategories | HS 9018 (~US $5.7 B), HS 9021 (~US $1.18 B) |
| Main Destinations | USA (~46%), EU, Central America, Asia |
| Sector Strengths | 86+ global multinationals; free zones; skilled labor; green energy |
🔍 Why It Matters
- Medical and technical apparatus is the core of Costa Rica’s export economy, outperforming agriculture, electronics, and pharmaceuticals combined.
- The country’s shift to high-tech medical-device manufacturing marks a remarkable move up the value chain.
- With exports surging into 2025, Costa Rica has solidified its role as a global medical-device hub, especially within Latin America.
Here’s a detailed look at Costa Rica’s “Fruits & Nuts” (HS 08) exports for 2023–2024, the country’s 2nd-largest export category (≈ US $2.8 B in 2024, ~14% of total exports) :
🍌 1. Total Export Value & Share
- 2024 exports: ~US $2.8 billion, making HS 08 the second-largest export group.
- In 2023, this included ~US $1.09 billion to the U.S. (43%), ~US $223 M to Belgium (9%), ~US $220 M to the Netherlands (8.7%), and ~US $197 M to Spain (7.8%) .
🥭 2. Primary Subcategories (2023 Data)
- Bananas & plantains (HS 0803): ~46% of HS 08 exports (~US $1.18 B)
- Tropical fruits (HS 0804) – pineapples, avocados, mangoes, dates, etc.: ~46% (~US $1.18 B) trendeconomy.com
- Frozen fruit & nuts (HS 0811): ~US $85 M (3.4%)
- Melons & papaya (HS 0807): ~US $65 M (2.6%)
- Coconuts, cashews (HS 0801): ~US $5.8 M
- Smaller volumes include grapes, citrus, apples, and other nuts tradecompetitivenessmap.intracen.org+10trendeconomy.com+10data.un.org+10.
🌍 3. Top Destinations & Volumes
🇺🇸 United States
- 2024 imports: US $1.48 B total:
- Tropical fruits: US $884 M
- Bananas & plantains: US $502 M
- Frozen fruit: US $65 M
- Melons/papayas: US $18 M reddit.com+2tradingeconomics.com+2tradingeconomics.com+2.
🇧🇪 Belgium
- 2023 total: US $223.7 M — Bananas: US $109.6 M; Tropical fruits: US $93.2 M; Melons: US $12.3 M tradingeconomics.com.
🇳🇱 Netherlands & 🇪🇸 Spain
- Netherlands: US $220 M; Spain: US $197 M, mirroring Belgium’s product shares reddit.com+14trendeconomy.com+14trendeconomy.com+14.
📦 4. Niche & Specialty Items
- Frozen mixed fruits (HS 081190): small-scale exports (e.g., to S. Korea, Norway, Italy; ±300 kg worth $500– $500k) reddit.com.
- Fruit peels/parts (HS 200600): ~US $1.84 M in 2023, mainly to Central American neighbors (US portions < US $0.47 M) .
📈 5. Market & Industry Growth
- Consumer market revenues expected at US $780 M in 2024, growing ~5.3% CAGR through 2029 statista.com.
- Costa Rican fruits (bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and local staples like green avocados and guanabana) are often praised for their freshness and diverse availability reddit.com.
✅ Summary Table
| Category | Value (2023/24) | Key Markets & Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total HS 08 Exports | ~US $2.8 B | 2nd largest sector |
| Bananas & Plantains (HS 0803) | ~US $1.18 B | 46% of HS 08 |
| Tropical Fruits (HS 0804) | ~US $1.18 B | pineapple, avocado, mango |
| Frozen Fruits (HS 0811) | ~US $85 M | niche frozen category |
| Melons & Papaya (HS 0807) | ~US $65 M | melon exports |
| Coconuts/Cashews (HS 0801) | ~US $5.8 M | minor share |
| Fruit Peels/etc. (HS 200600) | ~US $1.84 M | Central America focus |
🔍 Key Insights
- Costa Rica’s fruit exports are evenly split between bananas and tropical fruits, making it a global leader in fresh produce.
- The U.S. is the dominant market (43–50%), while Belgium, Netherlands, and Spain are major EU buyers.
- Frozen and processed fruit segments are small but growing, indicating opportunities for higher-value diversification.
- With strong consumer demand and favorable climate, the sector is set for modest annual growth (~5% CAGR).
Here’s a detailed look at Costa Rica’s “Miscellaneous Edible Preparations” (HS 21)—its 3rd-largest food export in 2024:
🍽️ 1. Export Value & Ranking
- 2023 exports of HS 21 reached approximately US $1.01 billion, amounting to 5.6% of Costa Rica’s total exports (US $18.1 b) wits.worldbank.org+7id.tradingeconomics.com+7tradingeconomics.com+7.
- In 2024, total exports across all food categories (including HS 20 & HS 21) were estimated at about US $1.1 billion, with HS 21 leading within that bracket .
📦 2. Product Composition
While HS 21 is a broad category (including sauces, soups, baking mixes, protein concentrates, ice cream, etc.), no country-level detail is given at HS 4-digit. Still, key insights include:
- Sauces, condiments & seasonings: frequent small-volume exports to Europe and Asia suggest artisanal or niche products .
- Soups and broths: also appear under HS 2104 — globally traded.
- Yeasts, baking powders, homogenized foods—likely part of the mix, although specific export volumes are not detailed.
🌍 3. Major Export Destinations (2023 Data)
- European Union & Germany: Germany imported ~US $1.06 M worth of HS 21 products in 2023 wits.worldbank.org+13tradingeconomics.com+13data.un.org+13.
- Spain, France, Norway and others in Europe imported small volumes (~US $1–5 M annually) .
- Central American markets: Belize (~US $5.8 k), Barbados, Aruba, Curaçao, Suriname, St. Lucia (~US $1–6 k each) wits.worldbank.org.
🔁 4. Trade Pattern & Industry Context
- HS 21 is Costa Rica’s second-fastest rising export among the top ten in 2024 (+11.1%), trailing only medical apparatus wits.worldbank.org+3worldstopexports.com+3wits.worldbank.org+3.
- Exports reflect value-added agro-processing, moving beyond primary agriculture into convenient or ready-to-use segments.
- Free zone manufacturing, along with CAFTA-DR and EU trade preferences, support these niche food exports.
✅ Summary Table
| Metric | Value/Details |
|---|---|
| 2023 HS 21 Exports | US $1.01 B (~5.6% of total exports) |
| 2024 Estimated Food-Prep Exports | ~US $1.1 B |
| Top 2023 Export Destinations | Germany (~US $1.06 M), Spain, France, Norway |
| Notable Export Segments | Sauces, soups, seasonings, baking and protein mixes |
| Growth Trajectory (2024) | +11.1% YoY growth |
🔍 Key Insights
- HS 21 marks Costa Rica’s climb into processed food manufacturing, with sauces, soups, and mixes being global export niches.
- The category’s double-digit growth underscores increasing capacity and market acceptance, especially in EU and regional markets.
- Even small volumes point to premium or specialized production, backed by trade incentives and manufacturing facilities in free trade zones.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Costa Rica’s exports in “Electrical Machinery and Equipment” (HS 85) for 2023–2024, the 4th-largest export category (~US $839 M in 2024, 4.2% of total exports) worldstopexports.com+4trendeconomy.com+4tradeimex.in+4:
⚡ 1. Export Scale & Growth
- 2023 exports stood at US $804 million, up 22% YoY from US $655 million in 2022 trendeconomy.com.
- 2024 value increased further to approximately US $839 million (~4.2% of total exports) .
🧩 2. Key Subcategories & Values
Top HS 85 4-digit subpositions in 2023–2024:
- HS 8544 – Insulated wire, cables, optical fibre cables: US $243 M (1.59%) wits.worldbank.org+2trendeconomy.com+2reddit.com+2worldstopexports.com+2tendata.com+2trendeconomy.com+2.
- HS 8543/8542 – Integrated circuits & electronic ICs: ~$489 K to Indonesia (one market sample) .
- HS 854380 – Electrical machines/apparatus (e.g., motors/generators): US $16 M, mostly to Latin American countries like the U.S., Nicaragua, Venezuela wits.worldbank.org.
- Other smaller segments include electric control panels, meters, recorders, and optical fibre subcomponents lloydsbanktrade.com+10volza.com+10trendeconomy.com+10.
🌍 3. Export Destinations
- United States: Largest single destination for HS 85 products (~46% share) tradeimex.in+1ceicdata.com+1.
- Other Latin American markets: Nicaragua, Venezuela, El Salvador, Netherlands, Guatemala, Cuba, Honduras, etc. wits.worldbank.org.
- Notable shipments to European & Asian countries like Germany, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia—all with modest value (US $1–4 M range) .
📈 4. Trends & Context
- After a 22% surge in 2023, exports continued to rise, hitting US $839 M in 2024 .
- The dominance of insulated cables and wiring highlights strong activity in export-oriented manufacturing, especially linked to electronics and possibly medical-device assembly.
- The category’s 4.2% share and sustained growth reflect its growing role in Costa Rica’s high-value industrial exports.
✅ Summary Table
| Indicator | Value / Note |
|---|---|
| 2023 Exports (HS 85) | US $804 M (+22% YoY) |
| 2024 Estimated Exports | US $839 M (~4.2% of total) |
| Main Subcategories | HS 8544: $243 M (cables); HS 8543/2; HS 854380: $16 M |
| Top Destinations | US (46%), plus regional markets & select EU/Asia |
| Growth Context | Sustained growth—driven by wiring/cable exports from manufacturing sectors |
🔍 Key Insights
- Costa Rica has diversified its high-tech manufacturing scope beyond medical devices into electrical machinery and equipment.
- Strong exports of insulated wire and cables support both domestic and international electronics/medical-supply production.
- The export trend indicates continued resilience and modular diversification in HS 85, aligned with the broader push into high-value manufacturing.
Here’s an in-depth overview of Costa Rica’s exports in Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS 85) and Plastics & Plastic Articles (HS 39):
⚡ Electrical Machinery & Equipment (HS 85)
- 2023 exports: about US $804 million, accounting for 4.4% of total exports reddit.com+5trendeconomy.com+5volza.com+5.
- 2024 performance: likely ranged US $800–850 million (around 4–5% of total exports).
Main categories & destinations:
- Includes items like TVs, recorders, insulation equipment, and various electronic components.
- Leading export partners:
- USA: primary destination for consumer electronics.
- CAFTA-DR regions and EU via free-trade zones.
- Competitive indicators:
- HS 85 shows a Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) of ~0.6, modestly below global norms wits.worldbank.org.
🧩 Plastics & Plastic Articles (HS 39)
- 2023 exports: approximately US $519 million, about 2.9% of total exports .
- Primary product groups:
- Plastic packaging (HS 392390): US $4.45 million exported in 2023.
- Top markets: USA (US $2.53 M), Nicaragua, Panama, Canada tradingeconomics.com+15wits.worldbank.org+15wits.worldbank.org+15.
- Plastic sheets/films/pipes to the US: US $196 M in 2023, split among packaging, sheets/film, tubes/pipes, fittings .
- Other household items (tableware, kitchenware): minor volumes (~US $0.15–0.5 M) wits.worldbank.org.
- Plastic packaging (HS 392390): US $4.45 million exported in 2023.
- Export destinations:
- USA leads (US $196 M).
- China: lower (~US $2.9 M) reddit.com+6tradingeconomics.com+6reddit.com+6reddit.com+2reddit.com+2reddit.com+2.
- Regional partners: Canada, Nicaragua, Panama, etc.
Competitiveness & trade balance:
- HS 39 has RCA ~1.1, indicating slight competitiveness in plastics wits.worldbank.org+5wits.worldbank.org+5trendeconomy.com+5reddit.com+5tradecompetitivenessmap.intracen.org+5reddit.com+5.
- However, Costa Rica remains a net importer of plastics, with imports (~US $567 M in 2023) exceeding exports .
- It also exports small amounts of plastic scrap, hinting at recycling activity.
✅ Key Takeaways
| HS Code | Export Value | % of Total Exports | Strengths & Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| HS 85 | ~$800–850 M | ~4–5% | Electrically driven by consumer electronics and trade agreements; modest competitiveness (RCA ~0.6). |
| HS 39 | ~$519 M | ~2.9% | Focused on packaging and sheet/pipe products; US is dominant market; slight comparative edge (RCA ~1.1), but reliant on imports. |
🥫 Preparations of Vegetables, Fruit & Nuts (HS 20)
- 2023 Export Value: US $440 million (~2.43% of total exports) trendeconomy.com.
- Export Destinations:
- United States: US $65 million in 2024 (fruit/juice/frozen and preserved items) tradingeconomics.com+2tradingeconomics.com+2tradingeconomics.com+2.
- Canada: US $5.8 million in 2023 (mostly fruit juices & jams) .
- South Korea: small-scale (~US $0.13 M in 2022) .
- Other: negligible quantities to Austria, etc. wits.worldbank.org+7tradingeconomics.com+7wits.worldbank.org+7.
- Insights: This category reflects value-added agro-processing, including juices, preserved fruits, jams, and relishes. Trade mainly occurs with North American and niche overseas markets.
📊 Snapshot Table
| HS Code | Category | 2023 Value | % Total Exports | Top Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | Electrical machinery & equipment | $805 M | 4.44% | U.S. (~70%), CA neighbors, EU |
| 39 | Plastics & plastic articles | $520 M | 2.87% | Argentina, Brazil, U.S. |
| 20 | Vegetable/fruit/nut preparations | $440 M | 2.43% | U.S. ($65 M), Canada (~$6 M) |
🔍 Summary
- These are meaningful mid-tier exports for Costa Rica—dominated by advanced manufacturing (electrical equipment) and value-added processing (plastica, food).
- Electrical machinery shows strong growth (22%), with strategic trade across the Americas.
- Plastics exports, while modest, indicate ongoing industrial activity tied to regional production.
- HS 20 food preparations showcase Costa Rica’s growing role in processed foods (juices, preserved goods), primarily for North American markets.
4. 💊 Pharmaceutical Products (HS 30)
- 2023 exports: US $412 million (~2.3% of total exports) trendeconomy.com.
- Main products:
- HS 3002 (blood/antisera/vaccines): 41% (~US $172M)
- HS 3004 (medicaments): 35% (~US $146M)
- HS 3006 (pharma goods): 22% (~US $92M) trendeconomy.com+1tradingeconomics.com+1.
- Export markets: Primarily Central America—Panama, Dominican Republic, Honduras, Nicaragua (~US $40–60M each), plus flows to Europe (Hungary, UK) .
- Trends: +26% growth from 2022 to 2023; domestic market remains import‑dependent (~US $1.03B imports), with free‑zone pharma manufacturing growing trendeconomy.com.
📈 Summary Table
| HS Code | Category | Export Value | % of Total | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | Electrical machinery & equipment | $839 M | 4.2% | Electrical parts, cables |
| 39 | Plastics & articles | $544 M | 2.7% | Packaging, polymer goods |
| 20 | Vegetable/fruit/nut preparations | $486 M | 2.4% | Sauces, canned goods |
| 30 | Pharmaceutical products | $412 M (2023) | 2.3% | MEDICAMENTS, vaccines |
🔍 Overarching Insights
- These four categories combined (HS 85, 39, 20, 30) contribute ~11.6% to Costa Rica’s exports.
- Manufacturing (electronics, plastics, pharma) thrives within free-trade zones, underpinned by trade agreements and regional logistics.
- Agro-processing (HS 20) supports food export diversification beyond fresh produce.
- Pharma growth is notable, though domestic consumption still heavily relies on imports.
☕ Coffee, Tea & Spices (HS 09)
- 2023 exports: US $359 million (1.98% of exports) reddit.comtrendeconomy.com
- Highlights:
- Specialty coffee dominates — with Costa Rica’s high-quality beans often commanding premium prices reddit.com+10reddit.com+10thecentralamericangroup.com+10.
- Dynamics: Despite labor and climate-related challenges, coffee remains vital to the agricultural export mix.
📊 Summary Table
| HS Code | Category | 2023 Export Value | % of Total Exports |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | Electrical machinery & equipment | US $805 M | 4.44% |
| 39 | Plastics & plastic articles | US $520 M | 2.87% |
| 20 | Vegetable/fruit/nut preparations | US $440 M | 2.43% |
| 30 | Pharmaceutical products | US $412 M | 2.28% |
| 09 | Coffee, tea & spices | US $359 M | 1.98% |
🔍 Key Takeaways
- HS 85 reflects Costa Rica’s established electronics and cable manufacturing sector, boosted by insulated wire exports.
- HS 39 exports indicate modest regional outreach in plastics, albeit with limited domestic capacity.
- HS 20 showcases growing value-add in food processing, with steady progress in export volumes.
- HS 30 underscores the country’s evolving pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities.
- HS 09 remains a cornerstone of agriculture exports, although subject to labor and climate variables.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of Costa Rica’s “Rubber & Rubber Articles” (HS 40) exports—its 9th-largest merchandise category in 2023, with a value of US $342 million trendeconomy.com+5oec.world+5oec.world+5:
📈 1. Export Value & Trade Position
- 2022 exports: US $342 M, with a modest trade surplus over imports (~US $267 M) .
- Ranked within the top 10 Costa Rica exports in 2023 .
🌍 2. Leading Destination Markets
- United States: Absorbed US $237 M (≈69%), mainly new pneumatic tires (~US $209 M) and other vulcanized rubber articles (~US $44.5 M) trendeconomy.com+7oec.world+7tradingeconomics.com+7.
- Guatemala: US $12.4 M
- Dominican Republic & Mexico: Roughly US $12.3 M and US $10.4 M each oec.world+1trade.nosis.com+1.
- Panama: Around US $8.3 M trade.nosis.com+5oec.world+5tradingeconomics.com+5.
🛠️ 3. Key Products Exported
- New rubber tires: ~$209 M to the U.S. in 2023—Costa Rica’s top HS 40 item trendeconomy.com+4tradingeconomics.com+4oec.world+4.
- Other vulcanized rubber articles (gaskets, seals, hoses): ~$44.5 M tradingeconomics.com+1tradingeconomics.com+1.
- Minor categories:
- Conveyor belts, rubber tubes/hoses, apparel (~US $60 K each) .
⬆️ 4. Recent Export Trends
- HS 40 exports peaked at US $342 M in 2022 trendeconomy.com+2oec.world+2oec.world+2.
- Monthly export data (2021–2022) shows consistency ~US $20–27 M/month, with major shipments to China, USA, Mexico, Guatemala, Indonesia, etc. .
🔁 5. Imports & Trade Balance
- Costa Rica imported $267 M worth of rubber products in 2022, mostly from China ($70 M), the U.S. ($59 M), Mexico, Guatemala, and Thailand oec.world.
- It maintains a net export position (~+US $75 M year-end 2022) reddit.com+15oec.world+15trendeconomy.com+15.
✅ Summary Table
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| 2022 Export Value | US $342 M in HS 40 leather & rubber goods |
| Top Export Market | USA ($237 M) – especially new tires ($209 M) |
| Other Important Markets | Guatemala ($12.4 M), Dominican Republic ($12.3 M), Mexico ($10.4 M) |
| Major Export Products | New pneumatic tyres, vulcanized articles, seals, hoses |
| Monthly Export Flow (2021–22) | ~US $20–27 M/month across key countries |
| 2022 Import Value | US $267 M – mainly from China, US, Mexico, Guatemala, Thailand |
| Trade Balance | Net positive (~US $75 M) in 2022 |
🔍 Key Insights
- Costa Rica is a significant exporter of rubber tires and industrial rubber goods, especially to the U.S.
- It maintains a healthy trade surplus in rubber despite strong imports of raw and finished goods.
- The sector shows steady monthly export performance, reinforcing consistent industrial capacity rather than reliance on volatile single shipments.
🛢️ Animal/Vegetable Fats, Oils & Waxes (HS 15)
- 2023 exports: Approx. US $312 million (~1.73%) .
- Includes palm oil, crude and refined vegetable oils.
- Largest line item: palm oil/fractions (HS 1511) at US $236 M trendeconomy.com.
- Noted 7.5% decline YoY in 2024 worldstopexports.com.
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