AGP Executive Report

Banana Supply Chain: Fuel, fertilizer and shipping costs are squeezing banana producers as the Iran war disrupts supply chains. Costa Rican bananas averaged £0.95 per kg in UK wholesale markets in week 41. Coffee and Exports: Costa Rican coffee producers warn that a strong colón is forcing job cuts, while the country’s banana sector promoted its exports at Fruit Attraction Madrid. Transport: Landslides closed Route 32 between San José and Limón, disrupting a key link to the Caribbean coast. Water and Research: A new artificial beach in drought-prone Guanacaste uses groundwater, raising scrutiny as El Niño threatens dry conditions. Costa Rican scientists are also reviving fish-larvae research to help protect fisheries.

Tourism & Food: Tabacón Thermal Resort’s October chef series is bringing eight guest chefs to La Fortuna for four collaborative dinners showcasing Costa Rican flavors and local produce. Trade & Exports: Costa Rican banana producers promoted their products at Madrid’s Fruit Attraction as Latin America’s produce sector weighs climate risks, logistics and market diversification. Costa Rican buyers also joined Bogotá’s International Industrial Fair, where meetings generated more than $11 million in expected business. Coffee: Producers warn that the strong colón is squeezing margins and forcing job cuts. Transport: Landslides closed Route 32 between San José and Limón, disrupting a key corridor for freight and travel. Fisheries: A Costa Rican training program is rebuilding research into fish eggs and larvae to support sustainable fisheries management. Hospitality: Wyndham plans a 168-room hotel in Grecia by 2028, targeting both visitors and business travelers.

Tourism Investment: Wyndham plans a 168-room hotel in Grecia by 2028, serving visitors and business travelers near industrial parks and free-trade zones. JW Marriott has opened its first all-inclusive resort in Guanacaste. Agriculture & Exports: Costa Rica’s banana sector promoted its products at major produce fairs in Madrid, while coffee producers warn a strong colón is forcing job cuts. Water & Development: Guanacaste’s new 3.5-hectare artificial lagoon draws groundwater in a drought-prone region facing a severe El Niño dry season. Transport: Landslides closed Route 32 between San José and Limón, a key logistics corridor; Panama Canal shipping continued after the 7.7 earthquake. Fisheries: Costa Rican researchers trained regional specialists to study fish eggs and larvae, helping guide sustainable fisheries management. Environmental Crime: An Interpol operation across nine countries, including Costa Rica, led to 233 arrests and exposed illegal forest clearing and trafficking networks.

Water and Tourism: Costa Rica’s first artificial beach, a 3.5-hectare lagoon near Liberia, will draw on three permitted wells in drought-prone Guanacaste as El Niño threatens a severe dry season. Environmental Enforcement: An Interpol crackdown across nine countries, including Costa Rica, led to 233 arrests; Costa Rican authorities seized 4.6 tonnes of cyanide and 11 containers of mercury linked to illegal mining. Hotels and Investment: Wyndham plans a 168-room hotel in Grecia by 2028, targeting business travelers as well as tourists. A JW Marriott all-inclusive resort has also opened in Guanacaste. Agriculture and Research: Coffee producers warn a strong colón is forcing job cuts, while Costa Rican scientists are reviving fish-larvae research to help protect fisheries and guide sustainable management. Transport: Landslides closed Route 32 between San José and Limón, disrupting a key link to the Caribbean coast.

Tourism and Water: Costa Rica’s first artificial beach has opened in drought-prone Guanacaste, using well water as the region braces for a severe El Niño dry season. The developer says the lagoon is a closed system, but its water use will face scrutiny. Fisheries: Costa Rican researchers are rebuilding fish-egg and larva research to identify breeding areas and help guide sustainable management. Hospitality: Wyndham plans a 168-room hotel in Grecia by 2028, targeting business travelers as well as tourists and reflecting growth beyond traditional beach destinations. Regional Logistics: Panama’s powerful earthquakes damaged roads and disrupted flights, though shipping through the Panama Canal continued; the tremors were also felt across much of Costa Rica. Agriculture: Coffee producers warn that a strong colón is forcing job cuts, while Costa Rican banana companies are pursuing international markets.

Marine Research: Costa Rican scientists are reviving fish-egg and larva research to map breeding grounds and help manage fisheries sustainably, with training involving researchers and officials from three countries. Technology Supply Chains: Costa Rica is among the signatories of Pax Silica, an initiative focused on resilient supply chains in AI, critical minerals, energy and advanced manufacturing. Tourism Investment: Wyndham plans a 168-room hotel in Grecia by 2028, targeting visitors and business travelers near the western Central Valley’s industrial parks and free-trade zones. Agriculture and Trade: Costa Rica’s banana industry promoted its international presence at major produce trade shows in Madrid and elsewhere, while coffee producers warn that the strong colón is forcing job cuts. Transport: Landslides closed Route 32 between San José and Limón, disrupting a key route to the Caribbean coast.

Regional Supply Chains: Panama declared an emergency after powerful quakes damaged roads and buildings, but the Panama Canal kept operating. The shaking was felt across Costa Rica; early reports found no injuries or structural damage there. Transport: Landslides closed Costa Rica’s Route 32 between San José and Limón, disrupting a key road link to the Caribbean coast. Agriculture: Costa Rican coffee producers say the strong colón is forcing job cuts. Banana exporters are promoting the country’s fruit at major trade shows in Madrid and Orlando to build business in key markets. Tourism: A JW Marriott all-inclusive resort has opened in Guanacaste, adding to the province’s growing high-end tourism sector. Environmental Crime: A regional INTERPOL operation involving Costa Rica led to 233 arrests; Costa Rican authorities seized 4.6 tonnes of cyanide and 11 containers of mercury linked to illegal mining.

Regional Logistics: A 7.7-magnitude earthquake damaged buildings and roads in Panama, injuring at least 27 people. The Panama Canal kept operating, but flights were disrupted; tsunami alerts for Costa Rica and other Pacific countries were later lifted. Costa Rica Freight: Landslides closed Route 32, the key link between San José and Limón. The closure threatens a major cargo corridor, with drivers redirected via Turrialba or northern Costa Rica. Coffee Industry: Producers warn the strong colón is forcing job cuts, adding pressure on an export sector already sensitive to costs. Banana Exports: Costa Rican Banana is promoting the industry at Fruit Attraction Madrid and the Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando to build trade ties and visibility in key markets.

Regional Earthquake: A magnitude 7.7 quake in southern Panama damaged buildings and disrupted power and flights, but the Panama Canal kept operating. Shaking was felt in San José, and tsunami alerts were issued for the region. Freight and Logistics: Landslides closed Route 32, Costa Rica’s key link between San José and Limón’s ports. MOPT offered detours, but the closure threatens to slow cargo and export traffic. Banana Exports: Costa Rican Banana is promoting the sector at Fruit Attraction Madrid and the Global Produce & Floral Show, seeking new business with importers, retailers and suppliers. Pineapple Supply: After oversupply depressed prices in May–July, production dipped and shortages emerged in August and September. Availability is recovering, but heavy, uneven rain and higher logistics costs continue to challenge growers. Tourism Investment: JW Marriott opened its first all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica at Playa El Jobo, adding 415 rooms and more than 9,000 square feet of event space. Environmental Enforcement: A regional Interpol operation involving Costa Rica led to 233 arrests and exposed illegal logging, wildlife trafficking and land clearing across nine countries.

Air Links: Southwest will add weekend flights from Austin to Guanacaste Airport in summer 2027, widening access to Costa Rica’s Pacific tourism market. Environmental Enforcement: An Interpol-led operation across nine countries resulted in 233 arrests and the recovery of more than 1,000 animals; Costa Rican authorities seized cyanide and mercury linked to illegal gold mining. Pineapple Trade: Costa Rica’s market is recovering from an August–September supply slump after earlier oversupply, while shifting rainfall and higher shipping costs continue to challenge growers. Coffee Pressure: Producers say the strong colón is squeezing export earnings and prompting some farms to cut jobs and replace manual work with machinery. Hospitality Investment: JW Marriott has opened its first all-inclusive resort worldwide in Costa Rica, a 415-room property on the northern Pacific coast with more than 9,000 square feet of event space.

Pineapple Market: Costa Rica’s pineapple sector is shifting from a May–July surplus to recovering supply after shortages in August and September. Heavy rain, dry spells, higher shipping costs and the weak dollar are adding pressure on exporters. Coffee Costs: A strong colón is squeezing coffee farms that earn dollars but pay wages in colones. Producers report cutting jobs and using machinery to reduce labor costs. Trade Debate: The National Liberation Party says it will oppose joining the CPTPP, citing risks to coffee, rice, dairy, cattle and other local producers. Environmental Enforcement: A regional Interpol operation included Costa Rica, where authorities seized cyanide and mercury linked to illegal gold extraction. Tourism and Infrastructure: Costa Rica ranked sixth in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 country awards, while an IDB-recognized project improved the Paquera ferry terminal, a key link to the Nicoya Peninsula.

Coffee Costs: Costa Rican producers say the strong colón is squeezing dollar-earning farms, prompting job cuts and a shift from manual work to machinery. Trade Outlook: The National Liberation Party says it will oppose joining the CPTPP, citing risks to coffee, dairy, rice, cattle and other producers; the government has not decided whether to sign. Tourism Investment: JW Marriott has opened a 415-room resort in Costa Rica, its first all-inclusive property, with 15 restaurants and bars. Transport and Enforcement: An IDB award recognized improvements to the Paquera ferry terminal, while a regional Interpol operation targeting environmental crime included Costa Rica and led to the seizure of 4.6 tonnes of cyanide.

Environmental Crime: INTERPOL’s two-month regional crackdown produced 233 arrests and identified 60,000 hectares of illegally cleared forest. Costa Rican authorities seized 4.6 tonnes of cyanide, a chemical used in illegal mining. Trade and Agriculture: Costa Rica’s National Liberation Party says its 17-seat caucus will oppose joining the CPTPP, putting the proposed trade deal in doubt. The party raised concerns about competition for local rice, coffee, palm oil, sugarcane, cattle and dairy producers. Transport Infrastructure: The IDB Group named Costa Rica’s Paquera Port ferry terminal project a 2026 “Superhero of Development,” recognizing improvements that kept the work on track and preserved service to the Nicoya Peninsula. Climate Risks: A Deloitte report warns that El Niño could raise food, energy and logistics costs across Central America, with pressure expected to intensify in 2027 and vary by country’s agricultural exposure.

Organized Crime Crackdown: Costa Rica will inaugurate its High-Security Center Against Organized Crime (CACCO) on Oct. 14, aiming to hold 5,100 inmates and tighten the state’s response to criminal networks. Labor & Agriculture: Costa Rica’s Health Ministry will step up screenings for Indigenous workers crossing from Panama for the coffee harvest, with about 15,000 people expected to enter each year. Logistics & Climate Risk: Deloitte Econosignal warns El Niño could raise costs across Central America in 2027, with possible impacts on Panama Canal shipping and delivery times. Jobs & Business Pressure: Costa Rica job losses are mounting as multinationals cut operations, with examples including Standard Fruit and Qorvo reducing local workforces. Tourism Access: Costa Rica opened a new pier at Isla San Lucas National Park, replacing an aging dock and improving access to the former prison island. Aviation Connectivity: Southwest announced new summer 2027 international routes from Austin, including Liberia, Costa Rica. Conservation on Farms: A former cattle ranch near Tenorio Volcano National Park is now a wildlife haven, restoring habitat for tapirs and hundreds of bird species. Edible Oil Trade: CPOPC reaffirmed cooperation with India on edible oil security and sustainable palm production at GLOBOIL India 2026.

Labor & Justice: Three Costa Rican former hotel workers in Atlanta sued Omni Hotels in federal court, alleging wage-law violations and retaliation after pay complaints, including being removed from employer housing. Conservation & Agriculture: A former cattle ranch near Tenorio Volcano National Park in Costa Rica’s Tapir Valley Nature Reserve is now a wildlife haven, with cattle removed and habitat restored to attract tapirs and hundreds of bird species. Security & Corrections: Costa Rica is set to inaugurate its Center for High Containment Against Organized Crime (CACCO) on Oct. 14, a major prison expansion aimed at organized crime—while critics question the “mega-prison” framing and whether street safety can return without weakening courts and investigators. Food & Trade: The Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC) renewed cooperation with India on edible oil security, sustainable palm production, and resilient supply chains at GLOBOIL India 2026. Tourism Access: Costa Rica opened a new accessible pier at Isla San Lucas National Park, replacing an aging dock to make the former prison island easier to reach. Business Climate: Job losses in Costa Rica are mounting as multinationals cut or relocate operations, with layoffs tied to exchange-rate pressures and restructuring. Startup Mindset: ULACIT entrepreneurship leader Allan Matarrita says ideas are “worthless” without execution, urging founders to test, fail fast, and pivot.

Costa Rica Jobs & Industry: Costa Rica is seeing mounting job losses as major companies cut operations, with experts pointing to weaker foreign direct investment in advanced manufacturing and modern services, plus higher costs and exchange-rate pressure hitting agro-exports. Caribbean Agriculture: Heavy rains in the Caribbean are damaging cacao plantations, with some Talamanca producers reporting 50%–60% flower losses and knock-on risks for harvests months ahead. Border Health & Coffee Harvest Labor: Costa Rica’s Ministry of Health will step up screenings for Indigenous workers crossing from Panama for the coffee harvest, including malaria and tuberculosis checks. Security Infrastructure: Costa Rica will inaugurate its High-Security Center against Organized Crime on Oct. 14, as the government defends the project against criticism over its scale and naming. Tourism Access: A new tourist pier opened at Isla San Lucas National Park, replacing an aging dock and improving accessibility to the former prison island. Research Supply Tech: Peptides Costa Rica launched a mobile app that consolidates browsing, ordering, and batch documentation for research buyers, aiming to reduce friction and avoid customs delays. Sustainable Land Use: A partnership with Rare and Osa Conservation is expanding wildlife corridors on Costa Rican farms by encouraging forest regrowth and native plantings. Hospitality & Travel Links: Southwest Airlines announced new 2027 international routes from Austin, including Liberia, Costa Rica, signaling continued air connectivity growth for the region.