Costa Rica indefinite strike delays in exports

An indefinite general strike in Costa Rica has led to significant delays in exports, temporary road closures, riots and the burning of vehicles, and police making dozens of arrests.

The port of Moín, which moves 85 per cent of the country’s perishable cargo, is currently operating only six hours per day. According to Cadexco, Costa Rican Chamber of Exporters, it has so far delayed the shipment of 11,846 tons of product at a cost of US$9.38m per day.

“This is generating uncertainty, affecting our credibility among international buyers and impacting on the image of the country,” Cadexco said in a press release.

“Roadblocks in different parts of the country are significantly impeding the work of companies in rural areas, especially in the north and south, as well as in the Greater Metropolitan area,” affirmed the president of the Cadexco, Laura Bonilla.

The sector has called for urgent action by the authorities to guarantee the security of cargo and prevent further economic losses.

“The closure of port operations puts at risk the export of about 3.15m cartons of pineapples, which would generate losses of US$16m,” said Canapep’s chairman Abel Chaves.