Costa Rica Free Trade Zones Lose Momentum, Signaling Competitiveness Erosion

Costa Rica's free trade zones, historically key drivers of growth, exports, and formal employment, are showing reduced dynamism. The slowdown suggests eroding competitiveness rather than a statistical blip, though the underlying causes (e.g., global demand shifts, policy changes, or regional competition) are not specified. This matters as it could signal a structural challenge to Costa Rica's export-led model.