Costa Rica Navigates US Tariffs While Engaging BRICS and Dominican Republic
What happened
Costa Rica's economy was valued at about US$102.9 billion in 2025, with trade in goods and services accounting for 71.5 percent of its output. In 2025, the country's exports reached US$22.855 billion, representing a 14 percent increase. The country is currently navigating new US tariffs while engaging with BRICS and the Dominican Republic.
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Why it matters
Because Costa Rica relies heavily on exports, the introduction of new US tariffs directly tests the country's trade balance. The country's foreign policy relies on law and treaties, shaping its engagement with global partners like BRICS.
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Who's involved
- Costa RicaCountry whose trade balance is being tested by new US tariffs.
- BRICSIntergovernmental association that Costa Rica is engaging with.
- Dominican RepublicNeighboring state involved in regional trade pacts.
- Donald TrumpPolitician whose policy influence is linked to the US tariffs.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Costa RicaSpeculative
Costa Rica might see reduced export revenue due to US tariffs, impacting the 71.5 percent of output derived from trade.
- Central Bank of Costa RicaSpeculative
The Central Bank of Costa Rica could require monetary policy adjustments to stabilize the economy following trade balance disruptions.
- Dominican RepublicSpeculative
The Dominican Republic may see strengthened regional trade and market access through the CAFTA-DR pact.
- Coca-Cola FEMSASpeculative
Coca-Cola FEMSA could face reduced market demand for foreign investors due to tariffs threatening Costa Rica's economic stability.
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The entities involved
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BRICS
association of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates
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Costa Rica
country in Central America
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Dominican Republic
island sovereign state in the Caribbean Sea
Related events
- The US imposed tariffs on Nicaraguan goods, while several other Central American nations face tariffs due to labor practices.
- Costa Rica established a strategic partnership with China and upheld the one-China principle.
- Costa Rican President Laura Fernández reversed policy and rejected a trade pact on October 28, 2026.
- Costa Rica is adopting security strategies modeled after those used by El Salvador.
- International dialogues were held in Costa Rica on October 31, 2026.