Browse Data and Analysis

Container freight shipments have slowed to a trickle since a cyberattack took Costa Rica’s customs and taxation systems offline on April 18. Significant delays and increased costs are compounding challenges faced by Costa Rican importers already coping with pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and the war in Ukraine.

The new Costa Rican government has announced a resumption of Hass avocado imports and proposed abolishing minimum prices for milled rice, following through on campaign promises to respect international law and address rising consumer prices.

FAS/San José projects marketing year 2022/23 coffee production at 1,365,000 60-kilogram bags, as production volume rebounds from a 50-year low in marketing year 2021/22 when higher rates of fungal disease compounded the impact of a gradual downward trend in production.

FAS/San José expects Costa Rican sugar cane production in marketing year 2021/22 to fall by 2 percent – remaining just below 4 million metric tons – driving sugar production down 2 percent to 416,000 metric tons on lower projected yields.

After more than three years of legislative effort, Costa Rica has legalized hemp production and commercialization as well as cannabis for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. The Government’s commitment to publish implementing regulations – including those related to import and export of value-added products – by May 8, appears unlikely to be reached.

U.S. dairy and seafood export volumes to Costa Rica hit new record highs in 2021, but access to this growing Central American market requires U.S. production facility as well as product registrations. The following guide provides insight into the registration process and tips to avoid lengthy delays.