As a growing economy, Costa Rica heavily relies on imports to meet its domestic needs and support its key industries. The major imports of Costa Rica include mineral fuels and oils, electrical machinery and equipment, vehicles and automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, machinery and mechanical appliances, plastics and plastic articles, iron and steel, organic chemicals, articles of clothing and accessories, and optical, photographic, and medical instruments. The closest trading partners for each category vary, with the United States, China, and Mexico emerging as prominent suppliers across multiple sectors. Understanding these import trends and partnerships is crucial for analyzing Costa Rica's economic landscape, identifying areas of collaboration, and formulating effective trade policies.
Mineral Fuels and Oils:
Mineral fuels and oils hold the top position in Costa Rica's imports by volume. With a total import value of approximately $2 billion, Costa Rica relies on these imports to meet its energy requirements. The primary trading partners for mineral fuels and oils are the United States, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Electrical Machinery and Equipment:
Imported electrical machinery and equipment are crucial for Costa Rica's technological needs. The import volume for this category stands at $1.8 billion. The primary trading partners in this sector are the United States, China, and Mexico.
Vehicles and Automotive Parts:
Imported vehicles and automotive parts are essential for transportation and mobility in Costa Rica. The import volume for this category is valued at $1.5 billion. The primary trading partners for vehicle and automotive parts imports are the United States, Japan, and Mexico.
Pharmaceuticals:
Pharmaceutical products are crucial for Costa Rica's healthcare sector. The import volume for this category stands at $1.2 billion. The primary trading partners for pharmaceutical imports are the United States, Switzerland, and Germany.
Machinery and Mechanical Appliances:
Costa Rica heavily relies on imports of machinery and mechanical appliances to support its industrial and manufacturing sectors. The import volume for this category is valued at $1 billion. The primary trading partners for machinery and mechanical appliances are the United States, China, and Germany.
Plastics and Plastic Articles:
Costa Rica imports a significant amount of plastics and plastic articles for various sectors, including packaging and manufacturing. This category accounts for an import volume of $900 million. The primary trading partners for plastics and plastic articles are the United States, China, and Mexico.
Iron and Steel:
Imported iron and steel are vital for Costa Rica's construction and manufacturing industries. This category's import volume is valued at $800 million. The primary trading partners for iron and steel imports are China, Mexico, and the United States.
Organic Chemicals:
Costa Rica imports a significant volume of organic chemicals for various applications. The import value for this category is approximately $700 million. The primary trading partners for organic chemicals are the United States, China, and Germany.
Articles of Clothing and Accessories:
Costa Rica imports a considerable volume of clothing and accessories to meet its domestic market demands. The import value for this category is approximately $600 million. The primary trading partners for clothing and apparel imports are China, the United States, and Mexico.
Optical, Photographic, and Medical Instruments:
Costa Rica relies on imports of optical, photographic, and medical instruments to support its healthcare and research sectors. The import volume for this category stands at $500 million. The primary trading partners for optical, photographic, and medical instruments are the United States, Germany, and China.
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