U.S. Removes Tariffs on Costa Rican Exports

The United States has removed reciprocal tariffs on several Costa Rican agricultural exports, a move that promises relief for local producers here and could stabilize prices for North American consumers. The decision, outlined in a new executive order from President Donald Trump, targets goods that the U.S. does not produce domestically in sufficient quantities. Costa …

Costa Rica’s Chaves Calls Immunity Case a Political Lynching

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves said Friday he is the victim of a “shameless political lynching” during an appearance before a legislative committee that is considering lifting his immunity over alleged interference in the February 2026 elections. In the midst of an unusual clash between branches of government in one of Latin America’s most respected …

Costa Rica Faces Surge in Minor and Migrant Exploitation

Costa Rica faces a growing crisis in the exploitation of minors and migrants, with criminal networks targeting vulnerable people for sex trafficking, forced labor and drug operations. The Global Organized Crime Index 2025 points to the country as a key source, transit and destination point for human trafficking, where cases involving children and adolescents have …

Costa Rica Loses 1-0 to Haiti in 2026 World Cup Qualifier

Costa Rica suffered a 1-0 defeat to Haiti on Thursday in the CONCACAF qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The loss at Stadion Ergilio Hato leaves La Sele’s path to the tournament in serious doubt, with just one match left in Group C. Haiti struck late in the first half. Frantzdy Pierrot scored in …

Costa Rican Mother Demands Action Over Son’s Detention in Nicaragua

Rosa Ruiz faces each day with growing desperation as her son, Yerri Gustavo Estrada Ruiz, remains detained in Nicaragua without clear access or updates. The 30-year-old doctor, who holds dual Costa Rican and Nicaraguan citizenship, was arrested in August at the Japan-Nicaragua Friendship Hospital in Managua where he worked. Authorities linked the arrest to his …

Panama Denies US Military Exercises Target Venezuela Amid Tensions

Panama’s president says that ongoing US military exercises within the country carry no hostile intent toward Venezuela. The declaration comes amid rising regional tensions and speculation over American troop movements in Central America. Officials in Panama City clarified that the training involves around 50 US Marines operating in the Caribbean region’s dense jungle areas. The …

Uber Drivers in Costa Rica Join Union for Labor Rights and Benefits

A growing number of Uber drivers here have affiliated with the Union of Public and Private Employees (SIFUP) to press a collective claim against the company for unpaid labor benefits. The move targets recognition of vacation pay and Christmas bonuses, with individual claims reaching up to ₡6 million (about $11,400) in some cases. Labor lawyer …

China Sends Hospital Ship to Nicaragua as US-Venezuela Standoff Intensifies

A Chinese naval hospital ship has made its first stop in Nicaragua, marking a key moment in Beijing’s outreach to Central America. The CNS Silk Road Ark arrived at the Port of Corinto this week as part of a long-term mission to deliver medical aid across the region. Nicaraguan officials welcomed the vessel with a …

Costa Rica Jaguar Documentary Explores Olive Ridley Arribada in Santa Rosa Park

PBS’s latest NATURE episode, Jaguar Beach, brings viewers to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, where jaguars and olive ridley sea turtles interact in ways that challenge simple views of predator and prey. Filmed in Santa Rosa National Park in Guanacaste, the documentary reveals how these big cats hunt turtles during mass nesting events but also help …

Costa Rica Aims for First Place vs Haiti in World Cup Qualifying Showdown

Costa Rica’s quest for a place at the 2026 World Cup heats up on Thursday, when they face Haiti. La Sele currently sits in second place, which would see them qualify for the inter-confederation play-offs, but with a home game against table-topping Honduras after this, they have their sights firmly set on snatching top place …