Costa Rica Customs Status & U.S. Trade Treatment

At a glance

U.S. trade agreement

CAFTA-DR

Average duty rate, August 2026

4.79%

Duty on U.S. imports

$48.7M

U.S. imports / exports

$1.0B / $863.6M a month

Agreements per the U.S. Trade Representative; customs territory per the European Commission. Duty is what the Census Bureau calculates for the month, not what was paid; a product's rate can differ widely from the country average.

Top U.S. imports from Costa Rica

These 5 make up 64% of U.S. imports from Costa Rica in the latest month.

1. Medical Needles (NESOI), Catheters, Cannulae, and Related Instruments HS 901839$235.0M
2. Medical, Surgical, Dental & Veterinary Instruments & Appliances (NESOI) HS 901890$207.2M
3. Other Artificial Body Parts, Parts & Accessories (NESOI) HS 902139$93.5M
4. Pineapples, Fresh or Dried HS 080430$60.6M
5. Electro-Diagnostic Apparatus (NESOI), Parts & Accessories HS 901819$58.7M

Top U.S. exports to Costa Rica

These 5 make up 30% of U.S. exports to Costa Rica in the latest month.

1. Light Petroleum Oils & Preparations (Not Containing Biodiesel) HS 271012$81.1M
2. Petroleum Oils & Bituminous Mineral Oils (Non-Crude, Non-Biodiesel) HS 271019$67.9M
3. Low-Value Export Shipments & Canadian Estimated Late Receipts HS 988000$43.9M
4. Medical, Surgical, Dental & Veterinary Instruments & Appliances (NESOI) HS 901890$41.8M
5. Medical Needles (NESOI), Catheters, Cannulae, and Related Instruments HS 901839$28.2M

Trade overview

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.