AGP Executive Report

UN Leadership Race: Three Latin American women—Chile’s Michelle Bachelet, Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan, and Ecuador’s María Fernanda Espinosa—laid out plans to reform the UN in a Geneva debate, arguing multilateralism is under strain but still vital. Costa Rica Border Enforcement: Costa Rica’s Border Police seized nearly 11 million colones (US$23,900) in allegedly smuggled World Cup postcards in Golfito, targeting tax evasion and protecting legitimate businesses. Agriculture & Innovation: A Brazilian delegation met CARDI to discuss agricultural innovation and regional food security, including digital tracking tech to detect pests. Animal Health & Livestock Trade: New World screwworm has been detected again in the US (Texas, with a case in New Mexico), with experts linking spread to illegal cattle trafficking—raising risks for livestock and even pets. Mental Health Campaign: Horses for Mental Health reported $960,394 raised in its May campaign, supporting equine-assisted mental health programs across Costa Rica and other countries. Tourism Partnerships: Traveleyes is seeking trade partners to grow its sighted companion network, citing immediate sell-outs for Costa Rica trips. World Cup Prep (Costa Rica link): England’s 3-0 warm-up win over Costa Rica in Orlando highlighted Jude Bellingham’s No 10 role and Tuchel’s push for higher intensity ahead of Croatia.

World Cup Warm-Up (Costa Rica): England closed its final pre-tournament friendly with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica in Orlando, with Declan Rice, Anthony Gordon and substitute Ollie Watkins scoring after a lightning delay. Team & Coaching Signals: Thomas Tuchel said the squad is “clicking” on intensity, cohesion and heat adaptation ahead of the opener vs Croatia. Costa Rica Tourism & Air Connectivity: Delta will add a seasonal nonstop JFK–Guanacaste route (Liberia) starting Dec. 19, 2026, boosting direct access for a key U.S. market. Retail & Jobs: IKEA’s Costa Rica franchisee Sarton Group is ramping hiring and planning a phased entry model, starting with remote sales and building teams across logistics, sales, design and IT. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica is pushing legal protections for howler monkeys after electrocution cases surged, highlighting the need to safeguard species around power lines. Agriculture & Trade: Costa Rica’s dollar outlook is shifting slightly as the colón strengthens less than before, a reminder for expats and businesses tied to USD costs and pricing.

Tourism Air Connectivity: Delta adds a seasonal nonstop New York–Guanacaste route (JFK to Liberia) starting Dec. 19, 2026 through Apr. 10, 2027, with Saturday flights using an A321neo (194 seats), boosting access for a key U.S. northeast market. Tourism Governance & Transport Rules: Canatur pushes back on ride-sharing promotions after Uber’s brief alliance with esencial COSTA RICA was canceled, arguing tourism marketing must prioritize legal, regulated transport and fair competition. Meetings Tourism: Costa Rica will host FIEXPO Latin America 2026 (June 8–11), with ICT framing it as a platform to grow the meetings, events, conventions and incentives sector and discuss AI-era talent and data. Macroeconomic Watch: The IMF’s latest Article IV review praises Costa Rica’s stability but warns against complacency, stressing pending reforms as the real test ahead. Immigration Reform: President Laura Fernández says her administration will send a bill to reform Costa Rica’s immigration law after reports of repeat illegal entries tied to organized crime and illegal gold mining in Crucitas. Agroecology Support: IICA’s AERAS initiative reports 10,000+ small farmers in Africa and Latin America gaining advisory services to adopt more sustainable, resilient agroecological practices. Wildlife & Public Safety: Florida sloth deaths linked to Sloth World Orlando spur calls for stricter protections, including limits on sloth imports and bans on direct-contact encounters.

UN Leadership Debate: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan joined Michelle Bachelet and María Fernanda Espinosa in a Geneva debate on renewing the UN secretary-general role, with candidates stressing human rights, peace, and UN reforms amid a deep financial crisis. Tourism & Mobility Rules: Canatur pushed back on ride-sharing promotion after a brief Uber alliance with the esencial COSTA RICA brand, arguing tourism marketing must follow formal transport regulations and fair competition. Meetings Tourism Push: Costa Rica will host FIEXPO Latin America 2026 (June 8–11) to grow the meetings/events sector, with sessions on AI, data, talent, and policy. Agriculture Resilience: IICA’s AERAS agroecology initiative says 10,000+ small farmers across Africa and Latin America gained advisory support to adopt more sustainable practices. Immigration Reform: President Laura Fernández announced a bill to reform Costa Rica’s immigration law after reports of repeat illegal entries tied to organized crime and illegal gold mining in Crucitas. Livestock Biosecurity: New World screwworm cases in the U.S. (Texas and New Mexico) are expanding, raising fears for cattle supply and beef prices—an industry risk that matters for regional animal health planning. Currency Watch: Costa Rica is seeing a modest dollar rebound after months of a strong colón, affecting expats and dollar-linked costs. Packaging Industry: Expo Pack México 2026 reported record scale, underscoring ongoing demand for packaging and processing tech across Latin America.

Food & Agribusiness: Del Monte Corporation rebrands after Fresh Del Monte Produce’s partial acquisition, changing its NYSE ticker to “DMC” starting June 29, signaling a bigger push for innovation and brand strategy. Trade & Compliance: The U.S. USTR proposes new Section 301 forced-labor tariffs—10% or 12.5% on imports from 60 economies—setting a July 6 comment deadline and July 7 hearing, a direct risk for exporters tied to global supply chains. Environment & Public Health: Costa Rica research reports microplastics across beaches, fish, livestock, poultry, and even Isla del Coco, with particles found in over 70% of samples—raising stakes for food safety and conservation. Livestock Risk: New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas again, prompting quarantines and extra precautions that could ripple into regional animal health and export markets. Costa Rica Business/Jobs: Costa Rica moves to protect jobs at the Golfito Free Trade Zone, highlighting ongoing pressure to keep industrial employment stable.

Trade & Supply Chains: The U.S. USTR has proposed new Section 301 forced-labor tariffs, with 10% to 12.5% duties targeting imports from 60 economies, plus a separate higher-rate plan for Brazil—comments are open and a July 7 hearing is set, a move that could ripple through regional manufacturing and sourcing. Environment & Food Safety: Costa Rican studies report microplastics across beaches, sediments, fish, livestock, poultry, and even Isla del Coco—pushing the issue into agriculture and public health, not just beach cleanup. Agriculture & Biosecurity: The New World screwworm fly has reappeared in Texas after decades, with new cases in cattle and pets raising alarms for the $113B U.S. cattle industry and cross-border containment efforts. Climate Risk: El Niño could cut Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and raise temperatures, stressing water and energy planning for Costa Rica’s economy and tourism. Energy & Construction: ICE is considering demolishing its historic La Sabana headquarters building after safety concerns, with options ranging from remodel to a new commercial zone. Wellness Tourism: The Retreat Costa Rica is expanding with a new Vida Mía Longevity Centre focused on nervous-system health and personalized programs.

Agribusiness Biosecurity: The New World screwworm fly has reappeared in the U.S., with new cases in Texas (now four total), threatening the $113B U.S. cattle industry and reviving eradication efforts last seen in 1966. Trade & Food Safety: Canada expanded market access for fish, seafood and aquatic products, adding renewed pathways to Vietnam, Oman, Brazil, Armenia and Costa Rica via CFIA health certificate acceptance. Packaging & Manufacturing: EXPO PACK México 2026 drew 18,400 attendees and 6,100 exhibitors, highlighting new packaging and processing tech for food, pharma and industrial manufacturing. Costa Rica Climate Risk: UNA warns El Niño could cut Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and raise temperatures, increasing pressure on water and energy. Energy & Infrastructure: ICE says it may demolish its historic La Sabana headquarters building due to structural safety concerns, with options ranging from remodel to a new commercial zone. Jobs & Trade Zones: Costa Rica’s legislature approved reforms to stabilize commercial operators at the Golfito Free Trade Zone, allowing direct contract extensions up to 10 years. Tourism & Media: Costa Rica will feature on Amazon Prime Video with “Latidos en la Lluvia,” a documentary following five cancer survivors crossing the country.

Golfito Free Trade Zone Jobs: Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly approved a reform that lets existing commercial operators in the Depósito Libre Comercial de Golfito negotiate direct contract extensions of up to 10 years with JUDESUR, avoiding a new public bidding process when current deals expire—an important stability boost for southern-zone businesses. Tourism & Media Promotion: Costa Rica is set to reach Amazon Prime Video later in 2026 with “Latidos en la Lluvia,” a documentary following five Spanish women cancer survivors as they cross the country via mountain bike, on foot, rafting and kayaking, with support from the ICT to spotlight adventure and nature. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica is also moving to legally protect howler monkeys after electrocution cases surged, pushing for safeguards that reduce risks from power lines. Aviation Connectivity Watch: U.S. low-cost carrier Breeze Airways says it’s targeting an IPO in 2027 and is expanding internationally, including routes to Costa Rica. Global Context: Peru’s runoff remains too close to call as early tallies show Keiko Fujimori leading over Roberto Sanchez, with crime and inequality driving the vote.

Peru Runoff: Peru votes Sunday in a tight presidential runoff between conservative Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sanchez, with crime driving public anxiety and the result seen as a key test of Latin America’s rightward shift that already includes Costa Rica. World Cup & Costa Rica Link: England’s World Cup warm-up in Tampa ended 1-0 vs New Zealand with no injuries, and attention now turns to the next friendly vs Costa Rica as Thomas Tuchel reshuffles ahead of Croatia. Agri/Biosecurity: The New World screwworm has been detected in Texas for the first time in decades, raising alarms for livestock and wildlife—an issue that matters for regional agriculture and cross-border animal health. Costa Rica Tourism/Media: Amazon Prime will release “Latidos en la Lluvia,” a Costa Rica documentary following five cancer survivors on a coast-to-coast expedition, supported by the national tourism board. Wellness & Hospitality: The Retreat Costa Rica debuts its Vida Mía Longevity Centre, adding physician-guided programs and therapies aimed at long-term health. Trade/Policy Watch: The U.S. continues pushing Section 301 forced-labor tariff proposals, with Costa Rica flagged in the broader discussion.

Aviation & Trade: U.S. low-cost carrier Breeze Airways says it’s targeting an IPO in 2027, while expanding international routes that include Costa Rica—an update that matters for regional connectivity and travel demand. Wildlife & Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s courts are pushing action after wildlife electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara and reinforcing the pressure to modernize grids as development and tourism grow. Agri-Health Risk: The New World screwworm fly has reached Texas after spreading through Central America and Costa Rica, triggering quarantine and renewed surveillance fears for livestock and wildlife across the region. Tourism Marketing: Costa Rica is seeing a wave of AI-generated tourist posters, and branding experts warn the “overly polished” look may hurt visitor interest. Sports & Local Economy: England’s World Cup warm-up in Tampa is drawing criticism over ticket pricing and empty seats, a reminder that major events can swing local business outcomes based on access and demand.

Wildlife & Energy Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s courts are holding power-line operators accountable after a surge in howler monkey electrocutions, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara—an issue tied to development pressure and tourism growth. Tourism Branding & AI: Costa Rica is seeing a wave of AI-generated tourist posters across major destinations, and branding experts warn the “overly polished” look may hurt local identity and visitor appeal. Trade Policy Impact: The U.S. is moving forward with Section 301 forced-labor tariffs affecting many partners, with specific exemptions that include certain Costa Rica textile/apparel duty-free treatment under CAFTA-DR—something exporters and manufacturers should track closely. Agribusiness Risk: New World screwworm has been confirmed in south Texas after spreading through Central America, raising regional livestock and wildlife health concerns that also matter for Costa Rica’s animal-health planning. Insurance Market: Costa Rica’s insurance sector is hitting record premiums and shifting toward voluntary coverage, reshaping how insurers compete and manage climate-driven claims.

Wildlife & Power Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s courts are holding government agencies accountable for howler monkey electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara as cases rise with development and tourism. Trade Policy Impact: The U.S. proposes Section 301 forced-labor tariffs that could hit Costa Rica (and neighbors) at 12.5%, with exemptions for some CAFTA-DR duty-free textiles/apparel—raising compliance pressure for exporters. Animal Health & Agriculture Risk: New World screwworm has been confirmed in Texas for the first time since 1966, after detections in Mexico and spread through Central America—prompting heightened surveillance that matters for livestock and wildlife across the region. Insurance Market: Costa Rica’s insurance sector has surpassed US$2.4B in annual premiums, with voluntary coverage gaining ground as climate and operational pressures reshape the industry. Tourism & Conservation: Authorities have confiscated nearly 8,900 kg of illegally taken seashells from travelers, underscoring strict enforcement of Costa Rica’s wildlife and natural-heritage rules. Cybersecurity: The FBI warns about Silent Ransom Group activity, including Fast Flux infrastructure used to target U.S. law firms and other industries.

Wildlife & Energy Regulation: Costa Rica’s courts ruled on how power lines cause howler monkey electrocutions, holding agencies accountable and ordering infrastructure fixes in Nosara—pushing solutions like insulated cables and safer crossings. Agribusiness Biosecurity: The U.S. confirmed a New World screwworm case in a calf in south Texas, reviving a decades-old threat to cattle, wildlife, and even rare human cases, with USDA and Texas moving to quarantine and sterile-fly eradication. Trade & Compliance: The U.S. proposed Section 301 forced-labor tariffs affecting 60 economies, with Costa Rica placed in the 12.5% tier—raising the stakes for supply-chain controls. Insurance Market: Costa Rica’s insurance sector passed $2.4B in annual premiums and is shifting toward voluntary coverage, even as climate risk and operational pressures mount. Tourism & Environment Enforcement: Authorities have confiscated thousands of kilograms of illegally taken seashells from travelers, warning that beach “souvenirs” can trigger wildlife-trafficking penalties. Food & Coffee: Costa Rica’s coffee production is up, but growers still struggle for profit, while global coffee news highlights “clean craft” sourcing and new manual brewing gear. Climate Outlook: Coverage urges caution on El Niño strength forecasts, noting Central America could still face major weather swings.

Costa Rica Insurance: Costa Rica’s insurance market has crossed $2.4B in annual premiums (about 2.7% of GDP), with growth increasingly driven by voluntary coverage as consumer reliance on mandatory policies fades. Agriculture & Food Prices: Corn futures keep sliding, while export sales show Costa Rica as a notable buyer—another sign of shifting regional demand as producers and traders adjust. Wildlife & Tourism Compliance: Costa Rica is cracking down on travelers trying to take seashells home; authorities have confiscated nearly 8,900 kg over six years, with penalties tied to illegal extraction and wildlife trafficking rules. Livestock Biosecurity: The New World screwworm has been confirmed in south Texas after decades, raising alarms for cattle, wildlife, and even rare human cases—prompting quarantines and sterile-fly response efforts. Trade Policy Shock: The U.S. proposes forced-labor tariffs affecting 60 economies, including Costa Rica, with duties of 12.5% for countries without adequate prohibitions and 10% for others—potentially feeding into import costs. Energy & Environment: Costa Rica is moving to protect howler monkeys from electrocution on power lines, as incidents tied to expanding development continue.

EV & Auto Exports: GAC says May sales hit 127,300 (+8.18% YoY) and NEVs jumped 71.64% to 46,056, while proprietary-brand exports surged 140% YoY to 28,386 units, with momentum across markets including Costa Rica (+733%). Trade Policy Shock: The U.S. proposes Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies over forced-labor concerns (10%–12.5%), with Costa Rica listed among the covered countries—raising the odds of higher import costs across supply chains. Agriculture Biosecurity: USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in the U.S. in South Texas, triggering quarantines and sterile-fly releases; officials say spread is mainly via animal movement, a direct risk to livestock operations. Energy & Wildlife Safety: Costa Rica is moving to protect howler monkeys from electrocution after reports of power-line incidents tied to expanding development. Coffee Sector Pressure: USDA forecasts Costa Rican green coffee production up 3.5% to 1.2M bags in 2026/27, but warns farmers may see limited profit gains from a strong colón and lower prices. Payments & Fintech: PaidBy® and Mastercard partner to scale cross-border bank-to-bank (A2A) payments, aiming to simplify settlement and reconciliation for global merchants.

Forced Labor Tariff Shock: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed Section 301 tariffs (10%–12.5%) on 60 economies, including Costa Rica, tied to alleged failures to block forced-labor imports—setting up a new compliance and cost pressure point for regional exporters. Agriculture Biosecurity: USDA confirmed a New World screwworm case in South Texas, triggering quarantine and a 20-kilometer infested zone; officials say spread hinges on animal movement, a reminder for Central America’s livestock supply chains. Medtech Investment Signal: CINDE says Costa Rica’s medtech exports top US$10bn and the country is moving up the value chain toward AI-led healthcare, R&D, and advanced manufacturing. Digital Retail Leadership: Grupo Éxito named Paula Sanabria as Chief Commercial Officer and Juan Camilo Suárez as Chief Digital and Technology Officer to push digital transformation across its Latin America operations. Energy Market Quirk: In Costa Rica, “super” gasoline is priced below regular due to RECOPE shipment cost timing, even as global oil conflict keeps fuel prices under pressure.