Costa Rica's fruit sector has regained duty-free access to the United States after tariffs on several key products were suspended under an executive order signed on 14 November. The change restores preferential treatment for bananas, pineapples, and orange juice, which earlier in the year had faced duties of up to 15 per cent.
The tariffs were part of broader U.S. trade measures but affected crops that the United States does not produce commercially in large volumes. Exporters in San José noted that the exemption aligns with progress in ongoing bilateral discussions.
Víctor Pérez, president of the Costa Rican Chamber of Exporters (CADEXCO), said the development offers short-term relief to growers. "The recent U.S. executive action on tariffs affecting Costa Rica and other agricultural products brings temporary relief to our resilient agricultural sector, which, despite these measures and other competitiveness challenges, has continued exporting steadily to markets worldwide, particularly the United States," Pérez said. He added that the organisation will continue monitoring the trade environment.
The Chamber of Agriculture and Agroindustry (CNAA) also addressed the decision, referring to it as a return to normal trade conditions for exporters. CNAA president Oscar Arias Moreira said, "This decision, formalized through an executive order from President Donald Trump, provides legal certainty for our exporters and strengthens confidence in our commercial relationship with our main trading partner."
The National Banana Corporation (Corbana) commented on the impact within the banana industry. "We welcome with great optimism the suspension of tariffs on Costa Rican bananas in such an important market as the United States," Corbana stated. The sector had faced tariffs alongside weather disruptions earlier in the year.
The tariff suspension applies not only to Costa Rica but also to similar fruit products from other Latin American suppliers, part of a broader U.S. move to lower domestic food costs by easing import duties. The Ministry of Foreign Trade confirmed that the exempted list includes pineapple, banana, and orange juice, all covered under CAFTA-DR.
Exporters had warned that prolonged tariffs could raise prices and reduce competitiveness in the United States, which accounts for a large share of Costa Rica's fruit shipments. While broader trade negotiations continue, the suspension provides immediate relief for growers and packing operations. Industry groups note that the one-year duration of the measure will require continued dialogue as the sector seeks long-term stability in its access to the U.S. market.
Source: The Tico Times
