AGP Executive Report

Costa Rica Insurance: Costa Rica’s insurance market has crossed $2.4B in annual premiums (about 2.7% of GDP), with growth increasingly driven by voluntary coverage as consumer reliance on mandatory policies fades. Agriculture & Food Prices: Corn futures keep sliding, while export sales show Costa Rica as a notable buyer—another sign of shifting regional demand as producers and traders adjust. Wildlife & Tourism Compliance: Costa Rica is cracking down on travelers trying to take seashells home; authorities have confiscated nearly 8,900 kg over six years, with penalties tied to illegal extraction and wildlife trafficking rules. Livestock Biosecurity: The New World screwworm has been confirmed in south Texas after decades, raising alarms for cattle, wildlife, and even rare human cases—prompting quarantines and sterile-fly response efforts. Trade Policy Shock: The U.S. proposes forced-labor tariffs affecting 60 economies, including Costa Rica, with duties of 12.5% for countries without adequate prohibitions and 10% for others—potentially feeding into import costs. Energy & Environment: Costa Rica is moving to protect howler monkeys from electrocution on power lines, as incidents tied to expanding development continue.

EV & Auto Exports: GAC says May sales hit 127,300 (+8.18% YoY) and NEVs jumped 71.64% to 46,056, while proprietary-brand exports surged 140% YoY to 28,386 units, with momentum across markets including Costa Rica (+733%). Trade Policy Shock: The U.S. proposes Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies over forced-labor concerns (10%–12.5%), with Costa Rica listed among the covered countries—raising the odds of higher import costs across supply chains. Agriculture Biosecurity: USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in the U.S. in South Texas, triggering quarantines and sterile-fly releases; officials say spread is mainly via animal movement, a direct risk to livestock operations. Energy & Wildlife Safety: Costa Rica is moving to protect howler monkeys from electrocution after reports of power-line incidents tied to expanding development. Coffee Sector Pressure: USDA forecasts Costa Rican green coffee production up 3.5% to 1.2M bags in 2026/27, but warns farmers may see limited profit gains from a strong colón and lower prices. Payments & Fintech: PaidBy® and Mastercard partner to scale cross-border bank-to-bank (A2A) payments, aiming to simplify settlement and reconciliation for global merchants.

Forced Labor Tariff Shock: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed Section 301 tariffs (10%–12.5%) on 60 economies, including Costa Rica, tied to alleged failures to block forced-labor imports—setting up a new compliance and cost pressure point for regional exporters. Agriculture Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in South Texas, triggering quarantine and a 20-kilometer infested zone; officials say spread hinges on animal movement, a reminder for Central America’s livestock supply chains. Medtech Investment Signal: CINDE says Costa Rica’s medtech exports top US$10bn and the country is moving up the value chain toward AI-led healthcare, R&D, and advanced manufacturing. Digital Retail Leadership: Grupo Éxito named Paula Sanabria as Chief Commercial Officer and Juan Camilo Suárez as Chief Digital and Technology Officer to push digital transformation across its Latin America operations. Energy Market Quirk: In Costa Rica, “super” gasoline is priced below regular due to RECOPE shipment cost timing, even as global oil conflict keeps fuel prices under pressure.

Tariff Shock for Trade-Dependent Industry: The Trump administration is proposing broad new U.S. tariffs under Section 301, targeting dozens of trading partners over “forced labor” concerns, with duties up to 12.5% and a July 7 public hearing—another potential cost hit for importers and supply chains. Agriculture Risk at the Border: U.S. officials warn New World screwworm is moving closer to Texas (reported 25 miles from the border), raising stakes for livestock and wildlife and putting pressure on cross-border biosecurity. Costa Rica Fuel Pricing Quirk: ARESEP set “super” gasoline cheaper than regular in Costa Rica (super ₡733 vs regular ₡748 at one point), driven by how RECOPE purchased shipments—an unusual signal for transport and logistics costs. Local Business Leadership: FIFCO in Costa Rica hires Timothy Scott Hall, a former Intel executive, as Director of Corporate Affairs—an executive shift that could shape corporate-government engagement. Pet-Friendly Tourism Growth: Guanacaste Airport (LIR) reports a record pet-travel surge, expanding terminal pet areas and reinforcing Costa Rica’s animal-friendly travel positioning. Dairy Sector Spotlight: Dos Pinos highlights women producers as key leaders in Costa Rica’s dairy economy, pointing to broader rural productivity gains. Film Funding for Costa Rican Talent: Paz Fábrega’s new hybrid feature “To the Future” secures additional funding for international co-production talks. Sports & Travel Demand Signals: England’s World Cup camp includes a match vs Costa Rica, while Costa Rica’s tourism calendar continues to draw global attention.

Corporate Appointments: FIFCO in Costa Rica names Timothy Scott Hall—an Intel veteran with nearly 21 years in the country—as Director of Corporate Affairs, signaling a fresh leadership push from tech to mass-market hospitality. Energy Costs: Costa Rica drivers are seeing an unusual “super cheaper than regular” fuel pricing setup, tied to RECOPE purchase timing; ARESEP notes it’s happened before and warns broader price pressure remains. Agriculture Biosecurity: The U.S. warns New World screwworm is nearing the Texas border (about 25 miles away), after reemerging in Panama and Costa Rica in 2023—raising stakes for livestock and wildlife. Local Dairy & Jobs: Dos Pinos spotlights women producers in Costa Rica’s dairy sector, highlighting leadership among its 1,300 cooperative members. Tourism & Travel Services: Intrepid Travel launches a Premium Family range with Costa Rica itineraries, aiming to reduce family-trip stress with guided, curated experiences. Immigration Policy: Costa Rica’s DGME announces a special temporary complementary residency category for Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Cubans, and Colombians, enabling legal work starting Sept. 1, 2026. Sports & Business: England’s World Cup camp includes a match vs Costa Rica, underscoring the country’s ongoing role in regional sports logistics.

Costa Rica in the spotlight for tourism: National Geographic Traveller (UK) puts Costa Rica on its June cover, featuring Punta Catedral in Manuel Antonio and a “coast to coast” story that highlights parks, wildlife and landscapes—boosting visibility for the UK market. Dairy industry leadership: Dos Pinos marks World Milk Day by spotlighting women producers in Costa Rica’s cooperative dairy system, where women run farms and manage operations. Security & logistics tech: PatrolTech expands its SaaS for traceable security/concierge rounds, aiming to reduce disputes and improve incident prevention through time- and location-based records. Education credentials warning: Ghana’s GTEC flags 70 unrecognized tertiary institutions, including Universidad Empresarial de Costa Rica, urging due diligence on certificates. Aviation compliance: FAA proposes a $336k penalty against Planet Nine Private Air over alleged international flight classification and permitting issues involving routes that include Costa Rica. Environment & coastline restoration: Costas Verdes’ long-running tree-planting program is reviving Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches, planting 100,000+ native trees across dozens of sites.

Costa Rica Tourism Spotlight: Costa Rica is back on the world stage, landing on the cover of National Geographic Traveller (UK) with a “From Coast to Coast” feature highlighting Manuel Antonio, Arenal and wildlife—boosting visibility for a key British market. Digital Services for Security: PatrolTech is expanding its traceability platform for security rounds and concierge services, aiming to cut incidents by shifting from manual logs to verifiable digital records. Education Credentials Watch: Ghana’s GTEC warns the public about 70 unrecognized tertiary institutions, including at least one Costa Rica-based provider, urging due diligence before accepting certificates. Banana Industry Pressure: As banana margins shrink under disease threats and higher input costs, BANA is calling for a broader conversation on how to protect the supply chain. Local Food Demand: CoopeMontecillos says meat remains central to Costa Rica lunches, with 77% of midday meals using meat as the main protein. Entertainment & Events: Def Leppard confirmed its first-ever Costa Rica concert at Parque Viva (Alajuela) on Oct. 27, 2026, with Extreme as special guests. Logistics & Mobility: Electric bikes are gaining traction with college students as campuses grow and commuting becomes a daily efficiency issue.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Costa Rica’s Fuerza Pública clashed with alleged clandestine gold miners on Conchuditas hill in Cutris de San Carlos, stopping removal of about 5,000 sacks of mining material and dismantling a large camp; around 150 suspects stayed and attacked officers with weapons and tools, prompting police to repel the assault. Education & Credentials Watch: Ghana’s tertiary regulator GTEC warned the public about 70 unrecognized institutions, including a Costa Rica-listed university, urging extra due diligence on certificates for academic, professional, or employment use. Security Tech for Traceability: PatrolTech says it’s expanding its SaaS platform across 15+ countries to digitize security, concierge, and maintenance rounds with time, geolocation, and multimedia records—aiming to cut serious incidents in residential settings. Food & Nutrition Signal: New data from Costa Rica’s CoopeMontecillos says meat protein anchors 77% of lunches, reinforcing beef’s role in local diets. Tourism Spotlight: Costa Rica landed on the cover of National Geographic Traveller (UK), with coverage of destinations like Manuel Antonio and Arenal. World Cup Logistics Tie-In: England’s World Cup camp includes a warm-up match in Costa Rica, underscoring the country’s ongoing role in regional sports travel.

Fuel Prices Watch: ARESEP approved new fuel-rate adjustments tied to RECOPE shipment costs and Middle East-driven oil market pressure, with Regular gasoline set to rise (¢8) and the usual Premium/Super price gap shifting. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Costa Rica’s Fuerza Pública clashed with alleged illegal gold miners on the northern border at Conchuditas hill in Cutris de San Carlos, stopping removal of about 5,000 sacks of mining material and seizing the operation’s camp. Food & Agriculture Insight: New local data from CoopeMontecillos says meat is the main protein in 77% of Costa Rica lunches, with beef highlighted for iron, zinc, selenium and B12. Energy Policy Tension: Costa Rica’s electricity market reform faces renewed instability after a PLN reversal, adding uncertainty for the sector. Public Safety & Compliance: A migration official was arrested by OIJ over alleged child sexual exploitation material possession, with devices seized for forensic review. Tourism Context: A travel piece points to growing El Salvador tourism appeal for Costa Rica-based visitors, with easier access and rising leisure demand.

Fuel Prices Watch: ARESEP approved new fuel-rate adjustments tied to RECOPE shipment costs and Middle East-driven oil market pressure, with Regular gasoline set to rise by ¢8 colones next week. Mining & Security: Costa Rica’s Fuerza Pública clashed with alleged illegal gold miners on the northern border at Conchuditas hill, stopping removal of about 5,000 sacks of mining material and reporting armed attacks with machetes and tools. Food & Nutrition: CoopeMontecillos says meat anchors 77% of Costa Rican lunches, highlighting beef’s role as a protein source rich in iron, zinc, selenium and B12. Cross-Border Enforcement: INTERPOL-backed Operation ORCA XI seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs across 20 countries, with thousands of arrests and major regional coordination. Energy Policy & Risk: UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi warned of a growing pattern of attacks on nuclear power plants during conflicts, citing incidents like Barakah’s drone strike. Hospitality Rules: Italy’s top court ruled hotels and restaurants aren’t required to offer free tap water, a move that could influence how Costa Rican venues handle “free” water expectations. Migration Case in Costa Rica: An OIJ operation arrested a migration civil servant in Curridabat linked to child sexual exploitation material, seizing devices for forensic review.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Costa Rica’s Fuerza Pública clashed with armed illegal gold miners on Conchuditas hill in Cutris de San Carlos, stopping the removal of about 5,000 sacks of mining material; roughly 150 suspects stayed and attacked officers with machetes and tools before police used service weapons. Fuel Prices: ARESEP approved new fuel-rate adjustments tied to RECOPE shipment costs amid Middle East-driven oil market pressure, with Regular gasoline set to rise by ¢8 colones. Migration Enforcement: An OIJ operation arrested a Costa Rican migration civil servant in the “Caso Sombra” probe over alleged child sexual exploitation material, seizing devices after a Meta alert. Hospitality Costs: Italy’s top court ruled hotels and restaurants aren’t required to offer free tap water, a move that could influence how Costa Rican venues rethink “free” services. Tourism Pulse: A travel report highlights El Salvador’s growing pull for Costa Rica-based visitors, citing easier access, lower prices, and surf-focused destinations like El Tunco.

Fuel Costs: ARESEP’s new fuel-rate adjustments kick in next week, tied to RECOPE shipment costs and renewed Middle East-driven oil pressure—another hit to Costa Rican household budgets. Public Safety & Compliance: OIJ arrested a Costa Rican immigration civil servant in the “Caso Sombra” probe, alleging possession of child sexual exploitation material after a Meta alert; devices were seized for forensic review. Legal Risk for Services: A U.S. lawsuit alleges a Dublin immigration attorney ran a “filing mill,” filing false cases that left immigrants facing deportation and fraud charges—an indirect warning for anyone relying on immigration services. Hospitality Rules: Italy’s top court says hotels and restaurants aren’t required to offer free tap water, a potential signal for Costa Rica’s hospitality sector as businesses rethink “free” add-ons. Energy Policy Watch: Costa Rica’s electricity market reform faces turbulence after a PLN reversal, keeping pressure on the country’s power-sector direction. Tourism Competition: El Salvador is pitching itself harder to Costa Rica travelers with easier access and a growing surf-coast draw, raising regional competition for visitors.

Energy Policy Clash: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández says opposition lawmakers opposing the electricity harmonization bill are “communists,” warning the plan is key to avoid “blackouts” and attract investment. Governance & Trade: Panama and Costa Rica reportedly agree to a diplomatic truce at the UN under “equal trade conditions,” keeping regional trade talks moving. Mining & Industry: Costa Rica opposition defends the mining ban as the Crucitas crisis deepens, keeping pressure on the country’s extractives policy. Agrifood & Health: PAHO marks World No Tobacco Day with Costa Rica cited for banning flavorings in e-cigarettes and tightening packaging, as the region targets youth nicotine uptake. FDI Snapshot: OECD-based reporting ranks Costa Rica among Latin America’s higher FDI recipients in 2025 (about $5.7B), while Argentina trails last—useful context for investors watching the region. Business & Energy Infrastructure: A report highlights Costa Rica’s EUDR compliance progress, pointing to how regulatory readiness can shape market access for producers. Tourism & Growth: Costa Rica hosts Expotur 2026 as arrivals keep rising, signaling continued momentum for the services sector.

Energy Policy Clash: Costa Rica President Laura Fernández withdrew the electricity harmonization bill from an extraordinary legislative session after opposition lawmakers rejected the wholesale energy market, accusing them of “communists” and “vagrants,” as the government argues the reform is key to attracting companies and jobs. Trade & Agriculture Diplomacy: Panama and Costa Rica opened dialogue to settle agri-food trade differences under “equal conditions,” aiming to avoid a bigger diplomatic fight. Investment Signals for the Region: OECD-based reporting shows Argentina received the lowest foreign direct investment among major Latin economies in 2025, while Costa Rica ranked higher—highlighting how business climate and long-term financing shape capital flows. Insurance Stability: AM Best affirmed Costa Rica’s Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) with an “Excellent” rating, citing strong capitalization and market leadership. Legal/Immigration Pressure: U.S. immigration court data shows a sharp rise in voluntary departure agreements, raising concerns about coercive pressure on asylum seekers. Local Business & Services: San José Airport inaugurated a new arrivals area to boost capacity and efficiency. Agriculture Costs: Reports note Costa Rican banana growers face rising input costs and unpredictable weather.

Electricity Market Clash: President Laura Fernández withdrew the electricity harmonization bill from the Legislative Assembly’s extraordinary session after opposition lawmakers rejected the plan, while she escalated rhetoric by calling them “communists” and “vagrants.” Energy Policy Tension: The dispute also ties into broader controversy over creating a wholesale electricity market, with Fernández facing pushback from opposition parties. Mining & Environment: Costa Rica’s geologists warn of an estimated 7 million ounces of gold in the country, saying limited enforcement has fueled illegal mining around Crucitas and other areas. Agribusiness Prices: UK banana prices rose slightly, with Costa Rican bananas up 2% to €1.00/kg in the latest EU market snapshot. Insurance Sector: AM Best affirmed Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) ratings as “A (Excellent)” with a stable outlook, citing strong balance-sheet strength and market leadership. Tourism & Connectivity: Costa Rica tourism continues to rebound with rising arrivals and expanded air routes, while industry coverage highlights growing demand for nature-focused travel. Biotech & Innovation: A TEC biotechnology student won international recognition for a Lyme disease detection project through iGEM Startups BioHackathon.

Insurance Stability: AM Best affirmed Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) ratings (A/“a”) with a stable outlook, citing strong capitalization and operating performance—key for Costa Rica’s compulsory auto and workers’ comp markets. Mining & Environment: Costa Rica’s opposition bloc moves to keep the 2010 ban on open-pit metallic mining in Crucitas, pushing back on the government’s plan to reopen extraction and regulate concessions. Trade Diplomacy: Panama and Costa Rica opened dialogue to cool agri-food trade tensions under “equal conditions,” aiming to avoid a wider diplomatic fight. Agribusiness Prices: EU banana prices ticked up 4% week-on-week, with Costa Rican bananas rising slightly to €1.00/kg—another signal of cost and supply pressure in regional fruit trade. Tourism Momentum: Costa Rica reported 653,000+ visitors in the first two months of 2026 (+10.4%), with North America driving demand and new air connectivity supporting longer-term growth. Energy/Industry Tech: Kio Data Centers signed a 10-year PPA with Celsia for its Panama data center operations, highlighting the region’s push for energy certainty for industrial-grade digital infrastructure.