Economic Activities in Costa Rica: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Costa Rica, with a population of approximately 5.13 million (2024), is located in Central America and covers 51,100 sq. km.

Costa Rica’s GDP reached $86.5 billion in 2023, rising to $95.35 billion in 2024, according to the World Bank. GDP per capita stood at approximately $14,260 in 2023 and $18,587 in 2024. Costa Rica’s economy demonstrates consistent growth, driven by its services sector, high-tech medical device exports, and tourism industry.

What are the economic activities of Costa Rica?

• Primary activities: approximately 3.6% of GDP (2024).
• Secondary activities: approximately 20.5% of GDP (2023).
• Tertiary activities: approximately 68.8% of GDP (2024).

Primary Sector of Costa Rica

With approximately 35% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a variety of crops including sugarcane, pineapples, bananas, and more. Agriculture, forestry, and fishing contributed approximately 3.6% to GDP in 2024, reflecting a gradual decline as services and manufacturing have expanded. Products like milk, oil palm fruit, fruits, oranges, chicken, cassava, and rice are vital to the sector, showcasing the continued importance of agriculture in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s diverse geology provides abundant natural resources, with a strong focus on hydropower. This renewable energy source plays a crucial role in the economy, driving sustainable development and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Secondary Sector of Costa Rica

What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?In Costa Rica, main industrial products include medical equipment, food processing, textiles, construction materials, fertilizers, and plastic products. These goods are produced for both domestic consumption and export markets.Manufactures play a crucial role in Costa Rica’s total exports, accounting for 61.4% in 2023. This sector significantly contributes to the country’s economy and international trade competitiveness.

Tertiary sector of Costa Rica

What is the tertiary sector or what are tertiary activities?The tertiary sector in Costa Rica encompasses a wide range of service-based activities aimed at enhancing productivity and meeting various needs. Some of the main tertiary activities in Costa Rica include healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, tourism and hospitality, transportation and logistics, and telecommunications.Among these, Costa Rica’s tourism industry is a vital economic driver, contributing significantly to its GDP. With over 3.3 million annual arrivals, the sector thrives on the country’s natural beauty, showcased by popular destinations like the Manuel Antonio National Park and Arenal Volcano. Tourism accounts for a major share of employment, underscoring its paramount importance to the economy.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 7.9 million subscriptions, supporting technological growth by enhancing connectivity and fostering innovation across various industries.

International Trade of Costa Rica

Import Activities of Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s import activities are substantial, with total imports of goods and services reaching approximately $28.9 billion in 2023, representing around 33.6% of GDP, according to World Bank balance of payments data.Costa Rica’s key imports include refined petroleum, plastic products, medical instruments, cars, and broadcasting equipment. The country’s main import partners are the US (39%), China (14%), Mexico (5%), Guatemala (3%), and Brazil (3%).

Exports Activities of Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s total exports of goods and services in 2023 amounted to approximately $34.6 billion, representing around 40% of GDP, according to World Bank balance of payments data. This reflects Costa Rica’s strong export orientation, particularly in high-value medical devices and agricultural products.Costa Rica’s export activities focus on medical instruments, orthopedic appliances, bananas, tropical fruits, and other foods. The country’s top partners include the US (40%), Netherlands (7%), Guatemala (5%), Belgium (5%), and Nicaragua (3%).

Costa Rica economy challenges

Costa Rica faces ongoing challenges including managing public debt and sustaining fiscal discipline. Despite being a regional leader in renewable energy and environmental sustainability, income inequality and poverty remain concerns. The country’s trade-oriented economy continues to expand, driven by free trade zones attracting high-tech manufacturers and service providers.

Sources

• World Bank Data: Costa Rica
• IMF Data Mapper: Costa Rica
• CIA World Factbook: Costa Rica
• World Bank WITS: Costa Rica Trade Summary
• UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow

Last updated: June 20, 2026