AGP Executive Report

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.

Aviation & Tourism: Southwest Airlines is adding new international links from Austin (AUS) to Liberia, Costa Rica, plus Nassau and Punta Cana for summer 2027, and it’s also expanding its U.S. network with 11 new/returning routes—good news for Costa Rica’s inbound travel pipeline. Public Safety & Infrastructure: Costa Rica will inaugurate its High-Security Center against Organized Crime (CACCO) on Oct. 14, with the government framing it as a tougher response to criminal networks. Agriculture & Labor: The Ministry of Health says it will step up screenings for Indigenous workers crossing from Panama during the coffee harvest; about 15,000 people make the seasonal move each year, with malaria and TB checks at the border. Food Supply Risk: Heavy rains in the Caribbean are damaging cacao plantations, with some farms reporting 50%-60% flower losses, threatening harvests months ahead. Sustainable Tourism: Costa Rica opened a new accessible pier at Isla San Lucas National Park, replacing a deteriorated dock and making the former prison island easier to reach. Health Tech & Research Services: Peptides Costa Rica launched an all-in-one mobile app for local research buyers, consolidating catalog browsing, ordering, and batch documentation. Environment & Development: A Manuel Antonio luxury hotel/residential project faces a criminal environmental complaint alleging damage to waterways, protected areas, and forest cover. Industry & Innovation: A UCR student developed an eco-friendly disinfectant tablet that dissolves fast and targets high pathogen kill rates, aiming to cut packaging and logistics waste. Business & Consulting: Blackbook AI hired ex-Cognizant executive David Emery to lead consulting as clients push beyond pilots toward measurable business value.

Fuel Prices Jump: Costa Rica’s pump prices rose Saturday after Aresep approved a diesel increase of ¢97 per liter (to ¢785), with regular up ¢12 (to ¢719) and super up ¢38 (to ¢764), driven by international oil moves. Waste & Land-Use Fight: In Mora (Picagres), a new land-use certificate tied to the Parque Industrial Jateo landfill plan has reignited disputes over road capacity, water sources, and ecosystem impacts. Agriculture Under Pressure: Heavy Caribbean rains are damaging cacao before pods form, with some Talamanca producers reporting 50%–60% flower losses and knock-on effects for harvests months ahead. Health Tech From UCR: A UCR chemical engineering student developed a compact, eco-friendly tablet disinfectant that dissolves in under 9 minutes and claims 99.99% pathogen kill. Tourism & Connectivity: Guanacaste Airport and ICT announced new Southwest routes from Austin and Nashville starting in summer 2027, boosting U.S. access. Coffee Culture: Heredia hosts a free Feria del Café con Memoria Herediana 2026 featuring specialty exhibitors, ICAFE competitions, and community events. Industry Spotlight: For pertussis prevention, ILiAD Biotechnologies published Phase 2b results in The Lancet Infectious Diseases; the trial included sites in Costa Rica. Sports (Local Interest): Costa Rica closes the CONCACAF Nations League group stage vs Haiti at Saprissa, with Bryan Ruiz’s coaching credited for a recent turnaround.

Costa Rica Innovation & Industry: A UCR student, working with Ciprona and the School of Chemistry, developed a compact eco-friendly tablet disinfectant that dissolves in 9 minutes or less and claims 99.99% pathogen kill—aimed at cutting packaging and logistics waste. Tourism & Connectivity: Guanacaste Airport (VINCI Airports) and ICT announced new Southwest Airlines routes from Austin and Nashville to Liberia for 2027, adding direct weekend service and more US links for the province. Coffee Culture & Local Economy: Heredia will host the Feria del Café con Memoria Herediana 2026 with specialty coffee exhibitors, ICAFE competitions, and cultural activities highlighting the canton’s coffee heritage. Sustainable Agriculture Lessons: A Costa Rica study revisits how orange peel and pulp waste dumped on degraded pasture in 1998 helped regrow forest over 16 years, boosting tree diversity and woody biomass. Energy Costs: Fuel prices in Costa Rica rose Saturday after Aresep approved increases—diesel up ¢97/L, regular up ¢12/L—driven by global oil markets and Middle East conflict. Global Business Signals for Costa Rica: A biotech trial in Costa Rica is reported in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, with BPZE1 showing strong nasal immune responses in children. Regional Trade & Travel Demand: Uruguay ranked high for international passengers per inhabitant, with Costa Rica close behind, underscoring the region’s growing air-travel pull.

Fuel Prices: Costa Rica’s pump prices jumped Saturday after Aresep approved a sharp diesel increase of ¢97/l and smaller rises for gasoline, with the change tied to international oil moves and the Middle East conflict. Agro & Circular Economy: A Princeton-led study revisits a 1998 orange-peel waste deal in Guanacaste, showing how citrus byproducts helped degraded pasture regrow into forest over 16 years. Aviation & Tourism Connectivity: Guanacaste Airport and ICT announced new Southwest Airlines routes from Austin and Nashville for summer 2027, aiming to boost U.S. visitor access and tourism jobs. Biotech (Costa Rica in the mix): ILiAD Biotechnologies published Phase 2b results in The Lancet Infectious Diseases for its intranasal pertussis vaccine, with trial sites including Costa Rica. Digital Learning for Industry & Tourism: “Discover Costa Rica,” a new bilingual interactive map, launches with content spanning geography, marine territory, culture, and protected areas. Finance & Payments: Jeeves announced a $110m equity round to scale stablecoin-native banking for global enterprises, including expansion to Costa Rica. Specialty Coffee: A Costa Rican family farm story highlights how micromilling and export control are reshaping specialty coffee value chains.

Fuel Prices Hit Drivers: Costa Rica’s pump prices jumped Saturday after Aresep approved a diesel increase of ¢97 per liter (to ¢785), with regular up ¢12 (to ¢719) and super up ¢38 (to ¢764), reflecting 100% imported fuel costs and international market swings. Tourism Connectivity: Guanacaste Airport (ICT) and Southwest announced new 2027 direct routes from Austin and Nashville to Liberia, aiming to keep U.S. travel demand strong and support local tourism jobs. Agro-Environment Lesson: A Princeton-led study revisits a 1998 orange-waste disposal in Guanacaste, finding that orange peels and pulp helped degraded pasture regrow into forest over 16 years. Health & Biotech: ILiAD Biotechnologies published Phase 2b results in The Lancet Infectious Diseases for its intranasal pertussis vaccine BPZE1, with a trial that included sites in Costa Rica. Digital Learning for Industry & Tourism: “Discover Costa Rica,” a new interactive Spanish/English map, adds accessible geographic, ocean, cultural, and scientific data for students, researchers, and visitors. Local Infrastructure Heritage: San José plans to display buried tram tracks under transparent panels at multiple downtown sites, preserving history without restarting tram service.

Aviation & Tourism: Guanacaste Airport (ICT) and ICT announced Southwest Airlines will add new direct routes from Austin and Nashville to Liberia in 2027, boosting US connectivity and tourism jobs in the province. Energy & Logistics: Costa Rica fuel prices jump effective Saturday, with diesel up ¢97 and gasoline up ¢12, a move expected to ripple through buses, heavy cargo, shipping, agriculture machinery, and construction costs. Biotech & Local Industry: ILiAD Biotechnologies published Phase 2b results in The Lancet Infectious Diseases for its intranasal pertussis vaccine BPZE1, with the trial including Costa Rica sites. Digital & Education: “Discover Costa Rica,” a free interactive map in Spanish and English, launches to showcase parks, oceans, culture, and biodiversity, supported by UCR and the foreign ministry. Public Works & Heritage: San José plans to display buried tram tracks at five downtown locations using transparent panels and lighting, with an opening targeted for late October/early November. Finance & Payments: Jeeves raised $110m to scale stablecoin-native banking for global payments, including Costa Rica among its expanding footprint. Security: Costa Rica extradited an alleged meth ringleader to Florida after a major 2025 seizure, underscoring cross-border enforcement.

Air Connectivity & Tourism: Southwest announced an 11-route summer 2027 expansion that includes new service from Austin to Liberia (LIR) in Costa Rica, plus additional Caribbean and Central America links. Digital & National Branding: “Discover Costa Rica,” a new free interactive map, launches with the Foreign Ministry and UCR partners, covering cultural, natural and ocean heritage in Spanish and English. Public Safety & Justice: Costa Rica extradited an alleged meth ringleader, Farid Alberto Morales Araya (“Beto”), to the U.S. to face federal drug trafficking charges tied to a major 2025 crystal meth seizure. Finance & Payments: Jeeves raised $110M to scale its stablecoin-native banking platform, expanding card and payouts to 190 countries including Costa Rica. Local Infrastructure: San José plans to showcase buried historic tram tracks at five downtown sites via transparent panels and lighting, with openings targeted for late October/early November. Agriculture & Food Systems: UNICEF warns El Niño-related rainfall extremes could expose 25.8M children across Latin America and the Caribbean, with Central America facing drought risks and other areas facing flood threats. Coffee & Rural Industry: A Costa Rican family farm behind Mighty Oak’s newest coffee highlights how micromilling and quality control are reshaping specialty production.