Costa Rica Tariff of 12.5 Percent Holds Despite Friendly US Policy
A 12.5 percent US tariff has been in force on Costa Rican goods since 24 July 2026, imposed under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 over forced-labor import rules, even after San José bent its policies to please Washington. The post Costa Rica Tariff of 12.5 Percent Holds Despite Friendly US Policy appeared first on The Rio Times .
Costa Rica's 12.5 percent tariff on exports to the United States has persisted since July 2026, following a Section 301 investigation by the US Trade Representative. Despite diplomatic efforts and assurances regarding labor standards, the country remains in this tariff bracket along with seven other Latin American nations. The Costa Rican government has excluded certain products, such as coffee, pineapple, banana, and orange juice, from the tariff, but medical devices remain subject to the full rate.
This situation contrasts with Mexico's more favorable situation under its USMCA treaty, which grants a zero rate for 85 percent of its exports. Costa Rican negotiators have been criticized for their late and insufficient efforts in tariff negotiations, resulting in the country paying a higher rate compared to its regional competitors.
The tariff is viewed as part of a broader trend where small economies are increasingly subjected to geopolitical pressures, with experts recommending diversification of alliances to reduce dependence on a single trading partner.
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