Costa Rica has achieved a fairly high level of economic development, the highest in Central America, in part because it abolished its military in 1948 and invested in health, education and infrastructure. Economic activity is dominated by tourism; the agriculture sector is the second largest source of employment in the country and high technology, and services such as call centers are gaining economic weight.

Agriculture as a sector employs 11.4 percent of the economically active population. Primary agriculture accounts for just 8.6 percent of GDP (approximately $4.3 billion) but, if agribusiness is considered, the total contribution of the agricultural sector to GDP rises to 14 percent. Costa Rica imports large quantities of fresh and processed foods, accounting for 13% of the total value of imports. In particular, the country relies heavily on imports for the majority of its staple foods, corn, soybean, wheat, rice, and beans.

The Costa Rican Ministry of Health is responsible for the registration and authorization of import permits for food products. The Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) is responsible for the registration and authorization of import permits for fertilizers and agricultural products imported into the country. Sanitary and phytosanitary certificates are required for importing bulk grain and horticultural products.

Import permits for potatoes are required and have been very hard to come by. Only when the market is short, have they opened up to U.S. Fresh in the last few years. Costa Rica also has a 354 MT tariff free quota on potatoes. After this quota has met, a 45% tariff takes effect.

Market Notes:

For the U.S. potato industry, maintaining market access to Costa Rica hasbeen challenging. Fresh: 354MT quota - 45% tariff outside of quota

Helpful Links:

• Exporter Guide 11-7-2017
• Food Processing Ingredients
• Food Service - Hotel Restaurant Institutional 12-13-2017