Costa Rica Leads Semiconductor Revolution in Central America with Strategic Investments

La Fortuna Waterfall is a majestic cascade plunging 75 meters into a crystal-clear pool. Its sheer force and volume, especially during the rainy season, create a mesmerizing spectacle. Surrounded by lush rainforest, the waterfall’s beauty is truly breathtaking

• While Costa Rica is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including the majestic La Fortuna Waterfall, the country is now making waves in the tech industry. With global giants like Intel and Applied Materials committing to expansion in the country, Costa Rica is positioning itself as a key player in the global semiconductor supply chain.
• In November 2024, Costa Rica took significant steps to bolster its semiconductor industry, making headlines with major investments and strategic partnerships. With global giants like Intel and Applied Materials committing to expansion in the country, Costa Rica is positioning itself as a pivotal player in semiconductor manufacturing and technology development.
• Intel Corporation has committed an additional $1.2 billion in 2024 to expand its assembly and test operations in Costa Rica. This marks a substantial boost in local semiconductor manufacturing capabilities, highlighting the country's importance in Intel's global operations.
• Applied Materials,a global leader in semiconductor equipment, has announced plans to set up operations in Costa Rica by 2025. This development will introduce advanced manufacturing technologies to the country and further integrate Costa Rica into the global semiconductor supply chain.
• Costa Rica is partnering with Arizona State University (ASU) to develop semiconductor-focused curricula. ASU's $13.8 million funding aims to enhance local talent, training the next generation of professionals to support the growing emiconductor industry.
• The Costa Rican government has laid out a strategic roadmap to develop its semiconductor sector, focusing on workforce development, incentives for investment, and improving regulatory frameworks. This comprehensive approach aims to attract further foreign direct investment.
• Costa Rica is capitalizing on its abundant hydropower resources and proximity to the U.S. market to become an attractive destination for semiconductor back-end processes, such as assembly, testing, and packaging (ATP), rather than competing with larger nations for foundries
• Costa Rica's commitment to sustainability is evident as the country’s semiconductor initiatives are supported by its renewable energy sector, offering low-cost, environmentally friendly power options to semiconductor manufacturers.
• Costa Rica's trade agency, Procomer, continues to promote the country’s semiconductor ecosystem, focusing on back-end operations, research, and design. The country is also benefiting from its inclusion in the U.S. International Technology Security and Innovation (ITSI) program, which offers funding to improve ATP facilities.
• Costa Rica’s semiconductor exports have been on the rise, boosted by the increased demand for microelectronics and chips. The country is becoming a significant contributor to the global semiconductor supply chain.
• Despite the positive momentum, Costa Rica faces competition from other low-cost locations, particularly in Asia. The country's semiconductor industry must overcome challenges like infrastructure bottlenecks to compete effectively.
• Costa Rica’s robust investments and strategic collaborations in the semiconductor industry are expected to have a positive impact on employment in the Asia-Pacific region, especially as global demand for semiconductor services grows.
• These efforts will also help diversify the global semiconductor supply chain, ensuring more resilient and sustainable growth across the industry.

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