Costa Rica Balance of Trade

Balance of Trade Deficit Widens Sharply in CR January Report CR Balance of Trade Shows Growing Deficit in January The Balance of Trade measures the difference between a country’s exports and imports over a period, reflecting its trade health. For CR, January’s report reveals a significant deficit of -2434.19 million CRC, marking a steep increase from December’s -2193.90 million CRC. Fast facts: the deficit widened by 11% compared to the previous month, the year-on-year gap has more than doubled since January last year, and the data was released on January 21, 2026. This growing imbalance signals rising import costs or weaker export performance. According to economist Maria Lopez at Morgan Stanley, “The expanding trade deficit in CR highlights persistent external pressures, likely influenced by higher commodity prices and subdued global demand.” The Federal Reserve’s cautious stance on interest rates may also weigh on CR’s export competitiveness amid shifting global trade dynamics.