The dollar exchange rate fell again this Tuesday, February 24, reaching an average value of 473 colones and 75 cents, the lowest level observed so far in 2026 and comparable to the one recorded 21 years ago in the country.
During the day, more than 106 million dollars were traded in the Foreign Exchange Market, known as Monex. The Central Bank actively participated by purchasing close to 52% of the total amount traded, in addition to additional purchases to cover the needs of the non-financial public sector, including institutions such as Recope and ICE.
The trend is also reflected in the bank windows. In public banks, the sale of the dollar oscillates between 481 and 482 colones, while in private entities it is between 479 and 484 colones approximately.
Experts point out that the drop responds to seasonal and structural factors. These include the high tourism season, foreign exchange income from the payment of income tax, the growth of the export sector -especially medical devices- and the dynamism of the free zones, The Company's operations continue to increase the inflow of dollars into the country.
In addition to this, the government's external financing and the international depreciation of the U.S. dollar have kept downward pressure on the exchange rate.
For the time being, the foreign exchange market continues to show an abundance of foreign currency, while economists are closely observing the effects that this scenario could have on exporters and sectors linked to foreign trade.
This is a news service prepared by ICS. For more information about the story, write to info@ics.cr or call 2519-9992 ICS, tax specialists.