Trade partner
U.S. Imports
$1.0B
August 2026
U.S. Exports
$863.6M
August 2026
Trade deficit
$152.2M
August 2026 · U.S. imports more than it exports
In August 2026 the United States imported $1.0B from Costa Rica and exported $863.6M to it, across 876 imported product categories.
Over the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $12.4B from Costa Rica and exported $10.6B to it. In August 2026, the U.S. ran a monthly goods trade deficit of $152.2M with Costa Rica, importing 1.2× as much as it exported. Compared with August 2025, U.S. goods imports from Costa Rica in August 2026 (preliminary) were 6% lower.
Costa Rica is a stable Central American economy and a CAFTA-DR member with a diversified export base that includes medical devices, pineapples, bananas, coffee, and electronic components. The US is Costa Rica's largest trading partner, and the country has attracted significant foreign direct investment in high-value manufacturing and services. San José serves as the capital and commercial center, and Costa Rica is recognized for its strong rule of law and business-friendly environment.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Costa Rica has developed a robust medical device manufacturing sector, and it is one of the top exporters of medical instruments and devices to the United States, supported by CAFTA-DR tariff preferences and a skilled workforce.
Costa Rica's top exports to the US include medical instruments, pineapples, bananas, coffee, and orthopedic devices.
CAFTA-DR eliminates tariffs on most US goods entering Costa Rica, including industrial equipment, agricultural products, and consumer goods, improving competitiveness against other foreign suppliers.
The top U.S. imports from Costa Rica are Medical Needles, Catheters, Cannulae, and Related…, Medical, Surgical, Dental & Veterinary Instruments… and Other Artificial Body Parts, by value in the latest month.
| Rank | Product | Import value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $235.0M | |
| 2 | $207.2M | |
| 3 | $93.5M | |
| 4 | $60.6M | |
| 5 | $58.7M | |
| 6 | US-Origin Articles Exported & Returned Without AdvancementChapter 98 · Special Classification Provisions | $49.2M |
| 7 | $26.8M | |
| 8 | $19.1M | |
| 9 | Estimated Imports of Low-Valued TransactionsChapter 99 · Special Import Reporting Provisions | $13.5M |
| 10 | $13.1M |
| Rank | Product | Export value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $81.1M | |
| 2 | $67.9M | |
| 3 | Low-Value Export Shipments & Canadian Estimated Late ReceiptsChapter 98 · Special Classification Provisions | $43.9M |
| 4 | $41.8M | |
| 5 | $28.2M | |
| 6 | $24.7M | |
| 7 | $19.1M | |
| 8 | $14.5M | |
| 9 | $13.8M | |
| 10 | $13.4M |
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Annual data from BEA | 2025
Services Exports
$2.8B
Services Imports
$5.7B