Largest market shown
Not reported
$1.3B of latest reported imports and $1.6B of calculated three-year opportunity.
Importer opportunity guide
Costa Rica import opportunities
where to source next
Explore Costa Rica's import market by product, supplier concentration, demand growth, and sourcing gaps. Use reported market size and calculated indicators to decide where deeper supplier research may be useful.
Latest imports$23.4B2024 reported value
Import CAGR+9.4%Three-year reported change
GDP$95.4BLatest reported value
GDP per capita$18.6KLatest reported value
Trade openness77.5%Reported share of GDP
Costa Rica import opportunities
What makes this an attractive import market?
Compare market size and growth with supplier concentration. A large market may still need product, quality, tariff, logistics, and buyer validation.
Current import base
$23.4B in imports
Costa Rica recorded $23.4B in imports in 2024, with a three-year change of +9.4%.
How to use the guide
Compare demand with supply
Start with the highest-value products, then review supplier concentration and market conditions before choosing a sourcing route.
Import market overview
Find products where demand and sourcing options meet
This page separates reported import observations from calculated indicators so market size is not mistaken for a guaranteed sourcing opportunity.
Costa Rica imports products from suppliers across major trade regions. The current profile reports $23.4B of imports in 2024, while the opportunity view highlights product and supplier combinations where market demand and supply context may justify further research.
Use the opportunity table to compare product market size, demand growth, supplier counts, concentration, and projected imports. High concentration can indicate reliance on a small supplier base; it can also reflect specialized products that require careful validation.
Top import opportunities
Products and supplier context to review
The top 50 screened products are ranked by calculated three-year opportunity. Reported market values and calculated indicators are labeled separately.
| Rank | Product | Market size | Demand growth | Suppliers | Concentration | Top supplier | Projected imports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HS 271019Product description unavailable | $1.3BLatest imports | +12.7% | 49 | 7160 | USADeclining | $1.9B |
| 2 | HS 271012Product description unavailable | $942.7MLatest imports | +8.7% | 18 | 7441 | USASlowing | $1.2B |
| 3 | HS 854231Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers, whether or not combined with memories, converters, logic circuits, amplifiers, clock and timing circuits, or other circuits | $625.9MLatest imports | +9.9% | 64 | 4424 | MYSGrowing | $830.1M |
| 4 | HS 901839Medical, surgical instruments and appliances: catheters, cannulae and the like | $330.8MLatest imports | +18.8% | 62 | 5644 | USADeclining | $554.2M |
| 5 | HS 870380Vehicles: with only electric motor for propulsion | $308.4MLatest imports | +33.8% | 22 | 4587 | CHNSlowing | $602.3M |
| 6 | HS 901890Medical, surgical or dental instruments and appliances: n.e.c. in heading no. 9018 | $385.6MLatest imports | +12.4% | 73 | 4622 | USADeclining | $548.2M |
| 7 | HS 851712Telephones for cellular networks or for other wireless networks | $512.3MLatest imports | +20.0% | 45 | 2614 | USADeclining | $884.6M |
| 8 | HS 392690Plastics: other articles n.e.s. in chapter 39 | $256.1MLatest imports | +13.4% | 94 | 4439 | USASlowing | $373.2M |
| 9 | HS 854160Crystals: mounted piezo-electric | $115.5MLatest imports | +28.2% | 17 | 9809 | USAGrowing | $225.7M |
| 10 | HS 391732Plastics: tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, other than those of item no. 3917.31, not reinforced or otherwise combined with other materials, without fittings | $153.6MLatest imports | +16.1% | 56 | 7628 | USADeclining | $240.4M |
| 11 | HS 854290Parts of electronic integrated circuits | $211.5MLatest imports | +24.0% | 23 | 4015 | JPNDeclining | $403.7M |
| 12 | HS 870322Vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1000 but not over 1500cc | $302.9MLatest imports | +12.7% | 29 | 2340 | CHNDeclining | $433.5M |
| 13 | HS 300215Blood, human or animal, antisera, other blood fractions and immunological products: immunological products, put up in measured doses or in forms or packings for retail sale | $184.5MLatest imports | +13.1% | 24 | 4495 | CHEDeclining | $266.6M |
| 14 | HS 854150Electrical apparatus: photosensitive semiconductor devices n.e.c. in heading no. 8541, including photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels | $100.0MLatest imports | +17.3% | 29 | 9589 | USADeclining | $161.5M |
| 15 | HS 100590Cereals: maize (corn), other than seed | $216.7MLatest imports | +5.6% | 9 | 5090 | USADeclining | $255.4M |
| 16 | HS 271112Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons: liquefied, propane | $107.6MLatest imports | +13.3% | 8 | 8806 | USADeclining | $156.6M |
| 17 | HS 740811Copper: wire, of refined copper, of which the maximum cross-sectional dimension exceeds 6mm | $143.2MLatest imports | +11.0% | 6 | 5295 | CHLDeclining | $195.7M |
| 18 | HS 722300Steel, stainless: wire | $100.6MLatest imports | +30.5% | 30 | 4601 | USADeclining | $196.5M |
| 19 | HS 100610Cereals: rice in the husk (paddy or rough) | $138.1MLatest imports | +8.5% | 9 | 5347 | BRADeclining | $176.3M |
| 20 | HS 853400Circuits: printed | $131.0MLatest imports | +11.6% | 44 | 4993 | CHNDeclining | $182.3M |
| 21 | HS 847130Data processing machines: portable, digital and automatic, weighing not more than 10kg, consisting of at least a central processing unit, a keyboard and a display | $177.2MLatest imports | +10.9% | 59 | 3445 | USASlowing | $241.7M |
| 22 | HS 902139Artificial parts of the body: excluding artificial joints | $93.7MLatest imports | +21.4% | 49 | 5127 | USADeclining | $167.8M |
| 23 | HS 391739Plastics: tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, n.e.s. in item no. 3917.30 | $71.3MLatest imports | +20.5% | 51 | 8475 | USADeclining | $124.9M |
| 24 | HS 230400Oil-cake and other solid residues: whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil | $61.3MLatest imports | +39.8% | 5 | 8644 | USADeclining | $119.7M |
| 25 | HS 870323Vehicles: spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity exceeding 1500cc but not exceeding 3000cc | $301.8MLatest imports | +6.8% | 32 | 1652 | JPNDeclining | $368.0M |
| 26 | HS 890392Motorboats: (other than outboard motorboats), for pleasure or sports, other than inflatable | $62.9MLatest imports | +18.4% | 8 | 9831 | USADeclining | $104.4M |
| 27 | HS 853669Electrical apparatus: plugs and sockets, for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts | $84.9MLatest imports | +16.8% | 57 | 5969 | USADeclining | $135.2M |
| 28 | HS 722592Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.s. in heading no. 7225, plated or coated with zinc (other than electrolytically) | $51.4MLatest imports | +40.7% | 7 | 9987 | CHNDeclining | $100.5M |
| 29 | HS 020329Meat: of swine, n.e.s. in item no. 0203.2, frozen | $87.6MLatest imports | +24.4% | 3 | 5084 | USADeclining | $168.5M |
| 30 | HS 870421Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1 | $244.2MLatest imports | +9.8% | 26 | 2006 | MEXDeclining | $322.9M |
| 31 | HS 852872Reception apparatus for television, whether or not incorporating radio-broadcast receivers or sound or video recording or reproducing apparatus: incorporating a colour video display or screen | $96.9MLatest imports | +13.3% | 50 | 5548 | CHNDeclining | $140.8M |
| 32 | HS 722830Steel, alloy: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded | $47.2MLatest imports | +22.5% | 11 | 9660 | TURDeclining | $86.7M |
| 33 | HS 480411Kraft paper and paperboard: kraftliner, uncoated, unbleached, in rolls or sheets, other than that of heading no. 4802 or 4803 | $88.8MLatest imports | +0.3% | 14 | 8845 | USADeclining | $89.7M |
| 34 | HS 901819Medical, surgical instruments and appliances: electro-diagnostic apparatus (including apparatus for functional exploratory examination or for checking physiological parameters), n.e.s. in item no. 9018.1 | $62.2MLatest imports | +14.7% | 41 | 7644 | USADeclining | $93.7M |
| 35 | HS 300490Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.s. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale | $413.9MLatest imports | +8.3% | 73 | 627 | USADeclining | $526.3M |
| 36 | HS 480593Paper and paperboard: uncoated, weight 225/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no. 4805 | $52.8MLatest imports | +15.5% | 16 | 9848 | USADeclining | $81.3M |
| 37 | HS 120190Soya beans: other than seed, whether or not broken | $116.1MLatest imports | +3.9% | 6 | 5231 | USADeclining | $130.1M |
| 38 | HS 870333Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity exceeding 2500cc | $118.2MLatest imports | +12.2% | 22 | 3399 | JPNGrowing | $167.0M |
| 39 | HS 851762Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus | $132.0MLatest imports | +8.4% | 74 | 3053 | USADeclining | $168.3M |
| 40 | HS 711019Metals: platinum, semi-manufactured | $51.0MLatest imports | +48.3% | 8 | 5080 | USAGrowing | $99.7M |
| 41 | HS 210690Food preparations: n.e.s. in item no. 2106.10 | $158.8MLatest imports | +10.5% | 69 | 1674 | USADeclining | $214.4M |
| 42 | HS 903090Instruments, apparatus for measuring, checking electrical quantities, not meters of heading no. 9028: parts and accessories, for measuring or detecting alpha, beta, gamma, x-ray, cosmic and other radiations | $70.8MLatest imports | +20.0% | 33 | 3957 | MYSDeclining | $122.2M |
| 43 | HS 020714Meat and edible offal: of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, cuts and offal, frozen | $34.8MLatest imports | +24.7% | 5 | 9084 | USAGrowing | $67.4M |
| 44 | HS 871120Motorcycles (including mopeds) and cycles: fitted with an auxiliary motor, reciprocating internal combustion piston engine, of cylinder capacity exceeding 50cc but not exceeding 250cc, with or without side-cars: side-cars | $70.3MLatest imports | +9.9% | 21 | 5166 | CHNDeclining | $93.3M |
| 45 | HS 440711Wood: coniferous species, of pine (Pinus spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed, sanded or finger-jointed, of a thickness exceeding 6mm | $45.4MLatest imports | +17.0% | 7 | 7593 | CHLDeclining | $72.6M |
| 46 | HS 890399Yachts and other vessels: for pleasure or sports, rowing boats and canoes, n.e.s. in heading no. 8903, other than inflatable | $39.5MLatest imports | +16.7% | 14 | 9678 | USADeclining | $62.7M |
| 47 | HS 711590Metal: precious or metal clad with precious metal, other than that of item no. 7115.10 | $48.1MLatest imports | +16.6% | 11 | 6578 | USADeclining | $76.2M |
| 48 | HS 480519Paper and paperboard: uncoated, fluting paper other than semi-chemical or straw, rolls or sheets | $45.2MLatest imports | +12.8% | 17 | 8021 | USADeclining | $64.8M |
| 49 | HS 732690Iron or steel: articles n.e.s. in heading no. 7326 | $78.9MLatest imports | +11.8% | 80 | 3207 | USADeclining | $110.2M |
| 50 | HS 720916Iron or non-alloy steel: in coils, flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, cold-rolled, of a thickness exceeding 1mm but less than 3mm | $59.9MLatest imports | +7.8% | 3 | 6372 | CHNDeclining | $74.9M |
Showing the five highest-ranked products on mobile. View the complete import opportunity data.
Product sectors
Which sectors carry the most demand?
HS2 sectors group the screened products into broader families for an easier first comparison.
| Sector | Products | Market size | Opportunity | Average growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS2 sector 00HS2 00 | 2 | $2.2B | $2.6B | +10.7% |
| Electrical equipmentHS2 85 | 9 | $2.0B | $1.8B | +16.6% |
| Optical and medical instrumentsHS2 90 | 5 | $943.0M | $1.0B | +17.5% |
| VehiclesHS2 87 | 6 | $1.3B | $919.9M | +14.2% |
| PlasticsHS2 39 | 3 | $481.0M | $568.2M | +16.7% |
| Iron and steelHS2 72 | 4 | $259.1M | $372.0M | +25.4% |
| CerealsHS2 10 | 2 | $354.8M | $275.8M | +7.1% |
| Pharmaceutical productsHS2 30 | 2 | $598.4M | $255.5M | +10.7% |
| Paper and paperboardHS2 48 | 3 | $186.8M | $222.8M | +9.5% |
| ShipsHS2 89 | 2 | $102.3M | $165.2M | +17.6% |
| Meat and edible meat offalHS2 02 | 2 | $122.4M | $164.6M | +24.5% |
| Mineral fuelsHS2 27 | 1 | $107.6M | $146.9M | +13.3% |
Supply gaps
Where supplier concentration deserves attention
The concentration index helps identify products where reported imports rely more heavily on a smaller supplier base. It is a screening signal, not a recommendation by itself.
| Product | Market size | Suppliers | Concentration | Top supplier | Share gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 722592Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.s. in heading no. 7225, plated or coated with zinc (other than electrolytically) | $51.4M | 7 | 9987 | CHN | 99.9% |
| HS 480593Paper and paperboard: uncoated, weight 225/m2 or more, in rolls or sheets, n.e.c. in heading no. 4805 | $52.8M | 16 | 9848 | USA | 99.2% |
| HS 890392Motorboats: (other than outboard motorboats), for pleasure or sports, other than inflatable | $62.9M | 8 | 9831 | USA | 99.1% |
| HS 854160Crystals: mounted piezo-electric | $115.5M | 17 | 9809 | USA | 99.0% |
| HS 890399Yachts and other vessels: for pleasure or sports, rowing boats and canoes, n.e.s. in heading no. 8903, other than inflatable | $39.5M | 14 | 9678 | USA | 98.4% |
| HS 722830Steel, alloy: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or extruded | $47.2M | 11 | 9660 | TUR | 98.3% |
| HS 854150Electrical apparatus: photosensitive semiconductor devices n.e.c. in heading no. 8541, including photovoltaic cells, whether or not assembled in modules or made up into panels | $100.0M | 29 | 9589 | USA | 97.9% |
| HS 020714Meat and edible offal: of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, cuts and offal, frozen | $34.8M | 5 | 9084 | USA | 95.2% |
Supplier landscape
Which supplier markets appear most often?
These supplier names come from the leading peer signal in the screened opportunity rows and should be validated at product level.
USA
USA, Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands
32 screened products
$6.7BCalculated opportunity across these rowsCHN
China
7 screened products
$1.0BCalculated opportunity across these rowsMYS
Malaysia
2 screened products
$563.0MCalculated opportunity across these rowsJPN
Japan
3 screened products
$370.2MCalculated opportunity across these rowsCHL
Chile
2 screened products
$194.0MCalculated opportunity across these rowsCHE
Switzerland, Liechtenstein
1 screened products
$173.8MCalculated opportunity across these rowsBRA
Brazil
1 screened products
$125.2MCalculated opportunity across these rowsMEX
Mexico
1 screened products
$97.5MCalculated opportunity across these rowsFrequently asked questions
Using the Costa Rica import opportunity index
Definitions and practical guidance for interpreting market size, growth, suppliers, and concentration.
What are the import opportunities?
They are product and supplier combinations in Costa Rica's screened import market with substantial reported demand and calculated opportunity indicators. They are research priorities, not guaranteed savings or supply contracts.
What does supplier concentration mean?
The concentration index indicates how much reported imports rely on a smaller supplier base. A high value can suggest supply dependence, but it can also reflect specialized products or limited reporting.
How should sourcing teams use this page?
Start with products that fit your specification and volume needs, then validate suppliers, tariffs, standards, logistics, pricing, and continuity for Costa Rica.
Data source
OECD trade statistics with CEPII context
OECD (2025), Balanced international merchandise trade statistics (BIMTS) - HS2017-6D, OECD Data Explorer (accessed on 2026-08-30). OECD BIMTS is the primary trade series for this view. Supporting bilateral trade context uses CEPII BACI bilateral trade flows (202601) under Etalab 2.0 Open Licence. Yugalinks presents derived views of reported observations and calculated indicators. Data terms: OECD Terms & Conditions.