Costa Rican exports fall 2.3% in first half of 2013

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July 23^rd, 2013 (InsideCostaRica.com) Costa Rican exports during the first half of the year totaled $5.739 billion, down 2.3% over the same period in 2012, trade officials at Procomer reported Monday.

In a statement, Procomer said the declines were mostly in coffee, palm oil, electronics, textiles, some medical equipment, and fruit juices and concentrates.

Among the sectors that have seen positive growth are beef and dairy, whose exports grew 7.8%, and plastics, which grew 8.2%.

Procomer blamed the decline in exports on the “slow recovery of the U.S. and global economy” and falling international prices.

Procomer noted that exports to newer markets grew, such as to China, Malaysia, Sweden, and Ecuador, though the United States continues to purchase 40% of Costa Rica’s exports.

Foreign Trade Minister, Anabel González, said the government would promote market diversification.

Last year Costa Rica exported $16.875 billion, an increase of 8.9$ over 2011.