Costa Rica’s Trade Deficit Grows 25%

Costa Rica’s trade deficit grew to $2.7 billion in the first 10 months of 2006, a 25% increase from the same period last year.

The Central Bank reported on its Web site that from January to October of this year, exports amounted to $6.8 billion, while imports reached $9.5 billion. Exports grew 17.4% while imports grew 19.5%.

The country’s main exports are digital circuits, parts for circuits, bananas, textiles and pineapples. The country’s main imports are raw materials for industry and agriculture, consumer and other goods and fuel.