LAIA Presents 2025 Results of the Global Survey on Trade Facilitation, Highlighting Costa Rica’s Progress

The Latin American Integration Association (LAIA) presented the 2025 results of the Global Survey on Digital and Sustainable Trade Facilitation, a key tool for assessing progress in the simplification, modernization, and digitalization of foreign trade. The study, developed together with United Nations system organizations, analyzes the implementation of measures in nearly 170 countries and makes it possible to monitor international commitments, as well as guide public policies aimed at strengthening competitiveness.

In this context, Latin America and the Caribbean reached an implementation level of 73%, exceeding the global average of 71%. Within the region, Costa Rica stands out with a level close to 86%, positioning itself among the most advanced economies in trade facilitation, second only to Peru.

This performance reflects significant progress in the digitalization of procedures, transparency, and the modernization of processes. In particular, Costa Rica is among the countries that have fully implemented the Foreign Trade Single Window (VUCE), a key tool for streamlining operations and reducing costs. At the regional level, measures such as electronic payment of tariffs, digital submission of documents, and the consolidation of national trade facilitation committees also stand out, with high levels of adoption.

However, the report identifies important challenges, especially regarding system interoperability and cross-border electronic exchange of documents. Likewise, gaps remain in areas such as e-commerce and low-value shipments, highlighting the need to deepen digital integration.

In the case of Central America, although progress has been made in the electronic transmission of commercial documents, there is still a need to strengthen regional coordination and logistics infrastructure. In this scenario, trade facilitation is consolidated as a strategic pillar for improving competitiveness and promoting more sustainable economic development, where Costa Rica starts from a favorable position but still faces pending challenges in terms of integration and modernization.

To access the full study, please consult LAIA’s official publication here: https://www.aladi.org/aladi-resultados-2025-encuesta-mundial-facilitacion-comercio/