Costa Rica Exports Increased 10% This Year

Costa Rican exports grew 10% during the first seven months of the year as compared to the same period in 2011, with total exports of US$6.74 billion dollars.



The sectors with the largest exports growth are livestock and fisheries, agriculture and manufacturing.

According to the Promotora de Comercio Exterior (PROCOMER) - Foreign Trade Promoter - from January to July of this year, exports to China have grown 107%, as Costa Rica sends to the Asian nation electronic components for microprocessors, orange pulp, electrical cables, wood and fruit juices and concentrates, among others.

"We seek to promote greater use of the trade agreement which is opening the doors to other products, such as meat and dairy products," said Foreign Trade Minister, Anabel González.

Livestock and fisheries exports grew 19.2% this year over last, while the manufacturing sector saw an increase of 12.9% in exports. Pineapple exports say only a 0.8% increase.

North America continues to be the main destination for Costa Rican goods, with 42% of all exports going to the United States and Canada, while 18.% when to Europe, 13.8% to other Central American countries and 13% to Asia.