U.S. Trade Shifts Spark Questions for Costa Rica’s Investment Climate

As former U.S. President Donald Trump gains traction in the 2024 campaign trail, his proposal for a universal 10% “Liberation Day Tariff” has reignited global conversations about reshoring American industry. While designed to stimulate domestic manufacturing, the plan has raised red flags in countries like Costa Rica — a long-time hub for nearshoring and U.S. foreign investment.

Costa Rica has built a strong reputation for attracting U.S. businesses, thanks to its political stability, favorable tax structures (especially in Free Trade Zones), and a highly educated workforce. In sectors ranging from medical devices to shared service centers and eco-tourism, the U.S. remains Costa Rica’s largest trading partner. However, new tariffs could add friction to this relationship.

Investors and developers alike are beginning to ask: how will Trump’s trade policy affect the flow of capital into Costa Rica?

While it’s too early to measure the full impact, one thing is clear — the fundamentals that make Costa Rica attractive remain solid. High-end residential and vacation developments like #AcquarelloFlamingo and #AcquarelloNosara continue to draw interest from North American buyers looking for long-term value, lifestyle, and diversification outside the U.S. market.

Even in a scenario where U.S.-bound exports become more expensive, Costa Rica’s real estate market is driven by more than just trade. Digital nomads, retirees, remote professionals, and sustainability-conscious investors still see the country as a safe and rewarding destination — with strong potential for appreciation.

In fact, political and economic uncertainty abroad often strengthens Costa Rica’s value proposition. Buyers are not only purchasing homes in paradise — they’re buying into a resilient market that blends lifestyle with opportunity.