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Costa Rica

US Revised Tariffs (%)

10

Ease of doing business

theboardiQ Tariffs Dashboard:

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Understand the complexities of international tariffs and ease of doing business across nations to cultivate balanced trade relationships, streamline operations, and deliver cost savings to end consumers.

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Share of US Imports % (1 implies <1%)
US Tariff %
Revised Tariff %
Country Tariff Rate %
1
10
10
1.3
Exports (in USD Bill.) 2024
Imports (in USD Bill.) 2024
Balance (in USD Bill.) 2024
9.68
11.63
-1.96

US Revised Tariffs

Country Tariffs

Balance of Trade

Commercial Guide

Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in countries, prepared by U.S. Embassies worldwide, Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals

Tariff Rate for US

World Bank staff estimates using the World Integrated Trade Solution system, based on tariff data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's Trade Analysis and Information System ( TRAINS ) database and global imports data from the United Nations Statistics Division's Comtrade database.

US Imports Guide 

United States Imports from Countries during 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. United States Imports from Countries- data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on April of 2025.

Implications

As of Saturday, April 19, 2025, here is the latest update on tariffs concerning trade between the United States and Costa Rica: United States Tariffs on Goods from Costa Rica: Baseline Tariff: Effective April 5, 2025, the United States imposed a 10% tariff on imports from most countries, including Costa Rica. This is a universal baseline tariff. "Discounted Reciprocal Tariff": According to a chart released by the Trump administration on April 2, 2025, Costa Rica was initially slated to face a 10% "discounted reciprocal tariff." This rate was calculated based on the tariffs the U.S. perceived Costa Rica was charging on American goods (17%). 90-Day Pause: However, on April 9, 2025, the U.S. announced a 90-day pause on the country-specific reciprocal tariff rates for most countries, including Costa Rica.   Current Effective Rate: As of today, with the 90-day pause in effect, the primary tariff rate applicable to most goods imported from Costa Rica into the United States is the baseline 10% tariff. Important Considerations: CAFTA-DR: The United States and Costa Rica are parties to the U.S.-Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). This agreement, which entered into force for Costa Rica on January 1, 2009, has eliminated most tariffs on non-agricultural imports between the countries. Many goods from Costa Rica likely enter the U.S. with zero tariffs under this agreement, provided they meet the rules of origin.   Product Specifics: The actual tariff rate for a specific product depends on its Harmonized System (HS) code and the specific provisions of CAFTA-DR and any other applicable U.S. trade regulations. Some sensitive products might still have specific tariff rates or quotas outlined in the agreement. You can consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS US) for detailed information. De Minimis: The U.S. has ended the "de minimis" treatment for low-value shipments from China and Hong Kong, but this change does not currently affect shipments from Costa Rica. Goods valued under $800 from Costa Rica may still be eligible for duty-free entry. Costa Rica's Perspective: Costa Rica's government has expressed concern about the potential economic impact of the new U.S. tariffs, despite facing a lower rate compared to some other nations. They are reportedly engaging with U.S. officials to seek better terms, potentially leveraging the CAFTA-DR agreement.   In summary, while a 10% baseline tariff applies to most imports into the U.S., many goods from Costa Rica likely continue to enter the U.S. duty-free under the CAFTA-DR agreement. For precise tariff rates on specific goods, it is essential to consult the HTS US and understand the rules of origin under CAFTA-DR.

US Negotiation Strategy

Based on the most recent data from 2024, the top imports to the US from Costa Rica by value are: Optical, photo, technical, medical apparatus ($5.81 Billion): This category includes a wide range of sophisticated instruments used in medicine, science, and technology. Examples include medical devices, surgical instruments, and optical lenses.   Electrical, electronic equipment ($1.72 Billion): This includes items like integrated circuits, electrical switches, and various electronic components. Edible fruits, nuts, peel of citrus fruit, melons ($1.48 Billion): This category primarily consists of fresh produce like pineapples and bananas, for which Costa Rica is a significant global supplier. Commodities not specified according to kind ($1.04 Billion): This is a broad category that can include diverse goods not easily classified elsewhere. Rubbers ($235.59 Million): This includes natural and synthetic rubber in various forms. Here's a look at which US states have manufacturing in these sectors, along with some company examples: Optical, Photo, Technical, Medical Apparatus: Several states have strong medical device and technology manufacturing sectors:   Massachusetts: A hub for medical device companies like Boston Scientific and Stryker.   California: Home to numerous medical device and technology firms, including Medtronic and Abbott.   Minnesota: Known as "Medical Alley," with major players such as 3M and Medtronic.   Indiana: Has a significant presence in the medical device industry, with companies like Cook Medical.   Electrical, Electronic Equipment: The manufacturing of electronic components and equipment is concentrated in several states: California: Silicon Valley is a global center for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing, with companies like Intel, Nvidia, and Apple (though Apple primarily designs and outsources manufacturing). Texas: Has a growing technology and electronics manufacturing sector, including companies like Texas Instruments and Samsung Austin Semiconductor.   Arizona: A rising hub for semiconductor manufacturing, with significant investments from companies like Intel and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).   Edible Fruits, Nuts, Peel of Citrus Fruit, Melons: The cultivation and processing of fruits and nuts occur in various states, although the specific tropical fruits like pineapples and bananas that are major Costa Rican exports have more limited domestic production due to climate: California: A major producer of a wide variety of fruits, nuts, and vegetables, including citrus fruits, berries, and almonds. Companies include Dole Food Company (though they also have international operations) and various agricultural cooperatives.   Florida: Known for its citrus industry, including oranges and grapefruits. Companies include Florida's Natural Growers.   Hawaii: Cultivates some tropical fruits, including pineapples. Companies like Maui Gold Pineapple Company.   Rubbers: The manufacturing of rubber products and some synthetic rubber production takes place in several states: Ohio: Has a long history in the rubber industry, with companies like Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Firestone. Michigan: While known for automotive, it also has companies involved in rubber and plastics manufacturing for the auto industry, such as Cooper Standard.   Texas: A major hub for the petrochemical industry, which is essential for producing synthetic rubber. Companies include ExxonMobil Chemical.   It's important to note that while the US has domestic manufacturing in these sectors, the specific types and quantities might not directly replace the imports from Costa Rica. For example, while California grows many fruits, its climate is not ideal for large-scale banana or pineapple production. Similarly, the US has a strong medical device industry, but certain specialized devices might still be primarily imported from countries like Costa Rica.

Investing in USA

theboardiQ Economic Relevance Score, ranks States of USA based on 11 parameters

Sources : ForbesUSDA Economic Research | TCGen Total Innovation Rank Index | Best States for Manufacturing | World Population Review | Tax Foundation | US News | BEA Data | Wikipedia International Trade Administration

theboardiQ's Economic Relevance Score provides a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of a nation's economic vitality and global significance. This score is meticulously calculated using 11 key parameters, each reflecting a critical facet of economic performance. It analyzes the representation of Fortune 500 companies within a nation, a strong indicator of its business environment and market size. The balance of trade surplus or deficit reveals the nation's international competitiveness and export strength. It incorporates Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a fundamental measure of overall economic output, and examine the health of key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. The score also accounts for innovation, gauging a nation's ability to drive future growth through technological advancements. Crucial labor market indicators such as employment rates are considered, alongside fiscal policies reflected in tax rates. To capture the lived experience of citizens, it assesses cost of living and disposable income, providing insight into purchasing power and economic well-being. Finally, education levels are integrated, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering a skilled workforce and driving long-term economic development. By synthesizing these 11 parameters, theboardiQ's Economic Relevance Score delivers a nuanced and holistic view of a nation's economic standing, enabling informed strategic decisions. The Top 5 States in the assessment are Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida and Washington. Texas does consistently well across most of the 11 variables especially in the areas of GDP, F500 representation in the State, Balance of Trade where it ranks 2nd nationally. North Carolina scores as the highest-ranking state nationally in manufacturing and performs consistently across the other variables. Virginia does well in disposable income where it ranks 3rd nationally. It also scores high in the variables of manufacturing and employment Florida holds the 4th ranking nationally for GDP and Tax Washington State scores the top spot for disposable income nationally, 2nd for education and 3rd for innovation. Colorado, with an overall rank of 7 scores the top spot for Education (schools and higher education). Nebraska, that ranked 10th overall, did well in Agriculture where it is ranked 3rd nationally as well as Trade Balance where it ranked 5th. Illinois, though ranked 20th overall did well nationally in F500 representation, GDP, Agriculture, and Disposable Income. Pennsylvania comes in at 21 overall doing well nationally in GDP (6th); Manufacturing (8th) and F500 representation (8th) New York scores 23rd overall with a 2 ranking in Disposable Income nationally, as well as 3rd in both F500 representation and GDP. California comes in at 29th overall and has the top spot ranking in a whopping 4 variables nationally – GDP, Innovation, Agriculture and F500 representation. However, performance in the areas of Trade Balance, Cost of Living, Tax, Manufacturing and Employment resulted in the overall ranking dipping. Wyoming at 30th overall scores the top spot nationally in the area of Tax Massachusetts at 31 overall does well in innovation where it is ranked 2nd nationally Arkansas at 36 and Alabama at 39, do well in overall Cost of Living where they are ranked 2nd and 3rd nationally, respectively. Louisiana ranked 44th overall is ranked 1st in Trade Balance nationally.

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