Economy of Costa Rica - Trade Policy

Trade Policy

Costa Rica has sought to widen its economic and trade ties, both within and outside the region. Costa Rica signed a bilateral trade agreement with Mexico in 1994, which was later amended to cover a wider range of products. Costa Rica joined other Central American countries, plus the Dominican Republic, in establishing a Trade and Investment Council with the United States in March 1998.

• Costa Rica has bilateral free trade agreements with the following countries and blocs which took effect on (see date):
  • Canada (November 1, 2002)
  • Chile (February 15, 2002)
  • Caribbean Community (CARICOM)¨ (November 15, 2002)
  • Dominican Republic (March 7, 2002)
  • El Salvador Customs union, (1963, re-launched on October 29, 1993)
  • Guatemala Customs union, (1963, re-launched on October 29, 1993)
  • Honduras Customs union, (1963, re-launched on October 29, 1993)
  • Mexico (January 1, 1995)
  • Nicaragua Customs union, (1963, re-launched on October 29, 1993)
  • Panama (July 31, 1973, renegotiated and expanded for (January 1, 2009)
  • United States (January 69, 6096707)
  • Singapore (April 6, 2010)
  • China under negotiation
  • European Union under negotiation

Costa Rica also is a member of the Cairns Group which is pursuing global agricultural trade liberalization in the World Trade Organization and helping to maintain the proper economy level in Costa Rica.