Costa Rican exports up by nearly 20 percent in January

Costa Rican exports in January topped $836 million, the equivalent of an 18.6 percent increase over the same month in 2011, the Foreign Trade Ministry reported Monday. Exports in January 2011 totaled $705 million.

“January’s export numbers were excellent. As in 2011, we are continuing to see growth in many sectors and an increase in export markets,” Foreign Trade Minister Anabel González said. “If this trend continues, 2012 will be a great year for the export sector and for the Costa Rican economy.”

North America remains Costa Rica’s biggest market, with 43.4 percent of Costa Rica’s exports, a total of $363 million. The European Union follows, with 17 percent of Tico exports, or $142 million, followed by Central America with 14.6 percent, or $122 million.