Costa Rican security officials say internal leadership disputes among drug trafficking networks and organized crime groups are driving a renewed rise in homicides. The violence is complicating government efforts to improve public safety and contain criminal activity across the country.
Moody's Warns of Growing Foreign Currency Risks in Costa Rican Banks
Moody's Ratings has raised concerns about the rapid growth of foreign currency deposits in Costa Rica's banking system, warning that liquidity buffers are not keeping pace. The agency urged closer monitoring of financial risks linked to the sustained appreciation of the Costa Rican colón.
Costa Rica's Supreme Court Proposes Tougher Detention Rules for Organized Crime Suspects
The Third Chamber of Costa Rica's Supreme Court has recommended legal changes that would make affiliation with an organized crime group grounds for mandatory pretrial detention. The proposal comes amid growing concerns over gang violence and seeks to strengthen the judicial response to organized crime.
Costa Rica Loses More Than 6,000 Private Sector Jobs Amid Business Restructuring
More than 6,000 formal private sector jobs have been lost in Costa Rica following business closures, multinational relocations and corporate restructuring, according to labor market analysts. The losses highlight pressure on employment despite broader signs of economic stability.
Costa Rica's Inflation Turns Positive for First Time in 16 Months
Costa Rica's annual inflation rate rose to 0.34%, ending 16 consecutive months of negative price growth, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Census. The return to positive inflation could influence upcoming central bank decisions on interest rates as consumer prices begin to stabilize.
Costa Rica Opens Talks to Address Industry Concerns Over Trans-Pacific Trade Pact
Costa Rica's government is establishing technical working groups to assess the implications of joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. The discussions follow opposition from agricultural and manufacturing businesses concerned about competition and the potential impact on domestic industries.
Costa Rica Allocates More Than 81 Billion Colones to Support Small Businesses and Startups
Costa Rica's Development Banking System has approved more than 81 billion colones in financing for small businesses, technology startups and rural entrepreneurs. The funding will provide loans and other financial support intended to encourage business development beyond the country's main economic centers.
Costa Rica's Coffee Producers Warn Strong Colón Is Threatening Exports and Jobs
Costa Rican coffee growers and agricultural cooperatives say the continued strength of the colón against the US dollar is reducing export earnings and putting rural employment at risk. Producers warn that tighter profit margins are contributing to job losses and weakening the sector's international competitiveness.
Costa Rica's Judiciary Raises Constitutional Concerns Over Proposed 2027 Budget
Legal authorities within Costa Rica's judiciary have warned that parts of the proposed 2027 national budget could violate constitutional protections for judicial independence. The concerns center on funding reductions and fiscal restrictions that could affect the administration of justice.
Costa Rica Backs UN Pandemic Prevention Declaration Despite US and Argentine Opposition
Costa Rica has endorsed a United Nations declaration aimed at strengthening international cooperation to prevent future pandemics. The country supported the framework despite opposition from the United States and Argentina, reaffirming its commitment to coordinated public health measures and scientific cooperation.
Costa Rican Pharmaceutical Company Gutis Plans New Factory and 250 Jobs
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Gutis has announced plans to expand production in Costa Rica with a new facility expected to create up to 250 specialized jobs. The investment adds to the country's growing life sciences industry and its efforts to attract pharmaceutical and medical technology businesses.
Costa Rica Begins Negotiations on Private Sector Minimum Wages for 2027
Costa Rica's National Wage Council has opened negotiations involving government representatives, labor unions and business groups to determine private sector minimum wage adjustments for 2027. The talks will weigh workers' purchasing power against rising operating costs for employers.
Costa Rica's Mandatory Vehicle Insurance Premiums Set to Rise 4% in 2027
Costa Rica's National Insurance Institute expects mandatory vehicle insurance premiums to increase by an average of 4% in 2027. The adjustment, included in the annual marchamo vehicle payment, reflects higher traffic accident rates and increased insurance claims.
Costa Rican Authorities Arrest Suspect Over Threats Against Justice Minister
Costa Rican security forces have arrested a suspect accused of making serious violent threats against the country's justice minister. The case comes amid tensions surrounding government efforts to reform the prison system and strengthen national security measures.
Costa Rica Replaces Economy Vice Minister as Government Pursues Regulatory Reforms
Costa Rica has appointed Ricardo Carvajal as vice minister at the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce, replacing Christian Rucavado. The leadership change comes as the government continues efforts to simplify business regulations and improve the country's commercial competitiveness.
Costa Rican Scientists Successfully Breed Coral Larvae in Laboratory for First Time
Researchers from the University of Costa Rica and local conservation organizations have successfully bred coral larvae under laboratory conditions for the first time in the country. The achievement could support reef restoration projects along Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, where marine ecosystems face growing environmental pressures.
Costa Rica Begins Tourism Infrastructure Improvements at Juan Castro Blanco National Park
Costa Rica's Ministry of Environment and Energy has begun upgrading visitor facilities and trails at Juan Castro Blanco National Water Park. The improvements are intended to accommodate growing tourist numbers while protecting the northern region's important water resources and natural habitats.
Costa Rican Coffee Exporters Launch Japan-Inspired Campaign to Reach Asian Markets
Costa Rican coffee exporters have introduced a digital marketing campaign featuring Japanese animation-inspired visuals to promote premium coffee in Japan and South Korea. The initiative seeks to diversify export markets and attract consumers willing to pay more for specialty coffee.
Costa Rican Environmental Authorities Launch Emergency Restoration Work at Coris Wetland
Conservation officials in Costa Rica are using industrial suction equipment to restore water circulation in a major lagoon within the Coris wetland system. The intervention aims to improve ecological conditions and protect the area's aquatic habitats from further degradation.
Laboratorio Echandi Becomes Costa Rica's First Accredited Specialized Clinical Laboratory
Costa Rican medical diagnostics company Laboratorio Echandi has received accreditation as the country's first specialized clinical laboratory to achieve the designation. The certification marks an advance in laboratory quality standards and could strengthen Costa Rica's appeal as a destination for international medical services.