Costa Rica’s Trade Momentum Continues — But Infrastructure Is Under Pressure
Costa Rica closed 2025 with historically strong export performance, driven by medical devices, fresh produce, and diversified goods, boosting resilience against global market volatility. Export values grew significantly compared to 2024, proving that Costa Rican exporters are competitive abroad.
At the same time, industry groups warn that port and airport capacity limitations could start hurting logistics throughput if infrastructure isn’t modernized soon. Exporters and importers are calling for urgent upgrades to Puerto Caldera and key transport nodes to prevent a bottleneck that would slow trade flows.
This tension — strong demand but constrained infrastructure — is the story of Costa Rican logistics today.
Key Trends Shaping 2026 (Locally and Globally)
1. Costa Rica Has Potential to Become a Regional Hub
A study led by the Costa Rica Institute of Technology highlights that the country could carve out a logistics hub role in Central America if infrastructure investments align with economic strategy. That means better ports, roads, and intermodal connectivity — all essential if Costa Rica wants a permanent seat at the regional trade table.
2. Regional and Global Commerce Still Growing
Trade across Latin America and the Caribbean expanded in 2025, with export and import volumes rising and boosting regional logistics flows. This broader upward trend means more cargo moving through Central America, including Costa Rica, increasing pressure on existing systems but also creating opportunity.
3. Logistics Strategies Must Evolve in 2026
Logistics leaders worldwide project that visibility, technology, and resilience planning will define success in 2026. Supply chains are expected to adopt more real-time tracking, predictive analytics, and flexible operations to keep pace with shifting demand, regulatory changes, and geopolitical uncertainty.
For Costa Rican firms, that means investing in systems that do more than move freight. They must anticipate disruptions, optimize cross-border compliance, and integrate logistics data across the chain.
Why This Matters for Your Business
These trends mean one thing for importers and exporters in Costa Rica:
- Export growth + infrastructure limits = higher risk of delays if routes, ports, and logistics planning aren’t optimized now.
- Advanced planning is no longer optional. Cargo you accept today may face longer clearance times or transportation friction if infrastructure stays strained.
- Visibility and partner networks are strategic — not “nice to have.”
If your supply chain expects speed, certainty, and competitiveness in 2026, you need:
- Clear visibility from origin to destination
- Contingency plans for port congestion or limited air cargo capacity
- Active compliance strategies tied to evolving global requirements
All of these aren’t just operational tactics. They are how you protect margins and service levels.
What to Do Next (Practical, Strategic)
Audit your end-to-end logistics flows to identify where delays and costs accumulate.
Invest in data and visibility tools so you aren’t chasing information.
Partner with a logistics operator that understands both Costa Rican realities and global dynamics.
Because the market isn’t slowing — Costa Rica’s trade is growing, and competition is global. Logistics that treats infrastructure challenges as inevitable ends up undermining its own business.
