The Ministry of Foreign Trade (Comex) confirmed on March 28 that it has held several meetings with United States authorities following the inclusion of Costa Rica in a U.S. commercial investigation regarding alleged shortcomings in preventing forced labor.
This development is significant as it could affect trade relations between Costa Rica and the United States, potentially leading to new tariffs or restrictions if violations are found.
According to Comex, two formal negotiation sessions have taken place with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), followed by additional meetings with other U.S. officials. The ministry said these talks are occurring in a “complex and changing environment,” but both sides maintain a “constructive and proactive spirit.”
The context for these discussions is the decision by the U.S. government, led by President Donald Trump, to include Costa Rica among 60 countries and territories under investigation pursuant to Section 301(b) of the Trade Act of 1974. A statement released by USTR on March 12 said: “The investigations will determine whether acts, policies, and practices of each economy related to failing to effectively prohibit imports produced with forced labor are unreasonable or discriminatory and burden or restrict U.S. commerce.”
During its talks in Washington, Comex highlighted Costa Rica’s strategic role in ensuring security and resilience within U.S. supply chains as well as emphasizing decades-long mutual benefits from free trade frameworks between both countries.
“Costa Rica not only reaffirms its firm commitment to eradicating forced labor but also maintains strong compliance with international labor standards and International Labour Organization conventions,” Comex said.
Other countries included in this broad investigation range from Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia to Vietnam.
