The customs value of Costa Rica’s goods exports exceeded $26.568 billion in 2025, representing a growth of 21.61% compared to 2024, according to preliminary data from the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) released by CRHoy. In contrast, goods imports reached $27.431 billion and showed a negative variation of 3.43% compared to the previous year, leaving a trade deficit of $863 million.

Key export and import figures for 2025

Santamaría Customs consolidated its position as the main gateway for goods trade, concentrating 45.76% of the customs value of exports ($12.158 billion) and 45.83% of imports ($12.574 billion). October was the month with the highest export value, exceeding $2.416 billion, while August stood out as the month with the highest imports, at over $2.402 billion.

Free trade zone and definitive regimes: drivers of trade

The free trade zone regime led goods exports with a value of $19.267 billion, supported largely by air transport, which handled 60.36% of the export value under this regime. For imports, the definitive regime was the most significant, accumulating $19.508 billion, of which 69.67% entered the country by sea.

Star products of Costa Rica’s export offering

Medical instruments and devices (such as syringes, catheters, medical devices, and prosthetic items) topped the list of export products, alongside integrated circuits and fresh tropical pineapples, which together accounted for more than 50% of the customs export value in 2025. On the import side, fuels (gasoline and diesel), integrated circuits, medicines for human use, and containers were among the goods most purchased by Costa Rica on the international market.

Key trading partners: the United States, Europe, Asia, and the region

The United States remained the country’s main trading partner, concentrating 49.78% of the total customs value of goods exports and 39.12% of imports in 2025. Key destinations for Costa Rican products also included European countries such as the Netherlands and Belgium, as well as Central American partners like Guatemala and Nicaragua, while imports were notably sourced from Asia (China and Japan), the Americas (Mexico), and Europe (Germany).

Official sources

• National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC): official foreign trade statistics for goods 2024–2025 and preliminary results for 2025, available in their query systems and foreign trade publications.
• Information on exports and imports by customs regime, products, and trading partners, based on INEC foreign trade results as reported by CRHoy.