September 20, 2025 | Q Costarica|
The U.S. government has suspended tariffs on all agricultural products from Costa Rica and several other countries, bringing welcome relief to Costa Rican exporters. For months, Costa Rican pineapples, bananas, coffee, and other key commodities faced a 15% tariff, reducing their competitiveness in the U.S. market. Agriculture is crucial to Costa Rica’s economy, so the tariff had significantly affected major export sectors.
The suspension also applies to Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala, all of which are important exporters of agricultural goods such as fruit, beef, and coffee. According to the White House, the decision considered domestic demand, production capacity, ongoing trade negotiations, and broader economic factors.
President Trump stated that the tariffs—originally imposed in April under a policy requiring a minimum 10% duty—were meant to address what he viewed as a threat posed by the U.S. trade deficit. However, the new decision removes these barriers for now.
Costa Rica’s Foreign Trade Minister Manuel Tovar said the government is in communication with U.S. officials to clarify the full scope of the suspension. The move is expected to restore competitiveness for Costa Rican agricultural exports in their largest market.
