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Representing more than 8 percent of Costa Rica's national economy, tourism is a significant driver of food service demand and wields considerable influence over consumer-oriented product import suppliers to Costa Rica.

U.S. rough rice exports have plummeted and the decline of Costa Rican rice production has accelerated sharply following the Government of Costa Rica’s August 2022 tariff rate reduction on imported rice from all origins.

The Costa Rican retail sector continues to grow with an increasing number of modern supermarkets stocking a growing range of imported products.

This report outlines the regulatory requirements and import procedures for food and agricultural products entering Costa Rica.

This report provides information and guidance on the export certification requirements for U.S. products entering Costa Rica. This report supplements the 2023 Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS) Report prepared by the San Jose Office of Agricultural Affairs.

FAS/San José is projecting a small marketing year 2023/24 production increase to 1.44 million 60-kilogram bags, based on positive initial flowering, expected appropriate fertilization levels, and better overall condition of farms.

FAS/San José projects Costa Rican sugar production to rebound to 400,000 metric tons in marketing year 2023/24, climbing nearly 10 percent higher from marketing year 2022/23, on drier conditions associated with the anticipated return of an El Niño weather system.

The Chaves Government introduced a 10-year national agricultural strategy targeting improved export competitiveness through more efficient institutions and the adoption or development of innovative technologies.

The Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR)[1] region and Panama combine to represent the seventh-largest market for U.S consumer-oriented products, totaling $3.7 billion in 2022.

With a stable democracy, predictable business climate, and economic growth fueled by a resurgent tourism industry, Costa Rica presents excellent export opportunities for U.S. food and beverage exporters in 2023.

FAS/San José anticipates Costa Rican orange production to rise to 305,000 metric tons in marketing year 2022/23, despite challenging growing conditions, as effective citrus greening management and increased density tree patterns drive yields higher.

The members of the Pacific trade bloc Alliance advanced Costa Rica’s bid for full membership, charting a course for Costa Rica to formally join Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Chile in 2023.