Current Account Balance: Costa Rica

Analysis# Costa Rica Current Account Balance Costa Rica's current account balance stands at -2.1% of GDP in 2026, reflecting a persistent deficit in its external trade position. The country has improved significantly from its all-time low of -15.9% in 1981, a 84.7% swing over the past four decades. The 2020 peak of -1% represents the strongest position in recent history, though current levels remain moderate by comparison. The 2020-2021 period marked a notable inflection point, with the deficit narrowing to just -1% before widening again to -3.3% by 2022. Recent years show stabilization around -1.4% to -2.1%, suggesting Costa Rica has found a relatively sustainable equilibrium. Forward projections indicate the deficit will remain in the -2% to -2.1% range, indicating structural external imbalances are unlikely to worsen significantly from current levels.