From a statement issued by Cadexco:

San Jose, 22 September 2016. Exports of goods accumulated up to August amounted to USD $6.634 billion, which is 6% higher compared to the same period last year.  

When analyzing exports of goods according the type of regime, those from free zones increased by 13% and those from the definitive regime by 1%. It is significant that growth in exports now reflects a positive trade balance for Costa Rica, however, is worrying that this growth is concentrated only in companies in the free zone regime, which by its nature has greater incentives granted by law.

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Exporters: Two Sides of One Coin

January 2019

The increase in Costa Rican exports during 2018 was mainly due to the performance of the 187 companies in the free zone, in contrast to the almost zero growth reported by companies exporting under the traditional scheme.

Figures from the Foreign Trade Promoter of Costa Rica (Procomer) detail that last year Costa Rica's exports totaled $11.312 million, 6% more than that recorded in 2017.

Guatemala: Exports from Processing Zones Down 4%

February 2017

In 2016 exports from the free zone regime fell by 4% compared to 2015, and those from companies covered under the maquila incentive law, fell by 6%.

The negative results in foreign sales of companies operating under one of the two incentive schemes is due in part to the departure of several companies from the free zone regime, having been affected by the Emergent Employment Act.

No Changes to be Made to Costa Rica's Free Zones

July 2015

Once again the Presidency has spoken out to calm investors denying the insinuations of a Deputy Minister related to opening up the discussion on the free trade zone regime.

According to an article in Crhoy.com, the Deputy Minister of Labour, Harold Villegas, mentioned in the framework of the International Forum of Social Solidarity Economy that "as a society we should discuss the activities that should or should not be tax-free and although free zones functioned well in a moment of history, it's time to move towards a system of greater tax justice and for a more open discussion to take place. "

El Salvador: New Law on Free Zones Delayed

August 2011

There is a growing demand for textiles and clothes manufacturing, but a new Law on Free Zones is needed in order to bring fresh investments to this sector.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has determined, after two extensions, the country should, in 2015, replace the law that has been in force since 1998, which grants tax benefits such as a total and permanent exemption from taxes, among others.