Q COSTARICA — The partial closure of Ruta 27 at kilometer 56, near Orotina, could lead to increased logistics costs and affect national supply if the situation persists, warned the Cámara de Comercio Exterior de Costa Rica (Crecex) — Costa Rican Chamber of Foreign Trade.
The disruption is due to a sinkhole that appeared in the highway at the end of last month, one of the main connecting routes between the Greater Metropolitan Area (GSM) and Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica’s largest and most important seaport on the Pacific.
Approximately 80% of the country’s imports enter through Caldera, and roughly 20% of national exports leave through it.
Read more: Sinkhole shuts down Ruta 27 between Orotina and Coyolar
According to Crecex, around 500 containers travel daily on Route 27, transporting goods to and from Puerto Caldera.
Due to the road closures, many truckers have had to use alternative routes, such as Cambronero on Ruta 1, which is not without its own problems, with traffic regulated through the single-lane modular bridge and increased volume and congestion due to the problems on the 27.
While a trip on Ruta 27 currently takes about two and a half hours (typically less than 90 minutes), the journey through Cambronero can take up to five hours or more.
Rodney Salazar, president of Crecex, pointed out that a prolonged problem could translate into higher transportation costs, delivery delays, and disruptions to the supply chain, which is passed on to consumers.
The organization estimates that each trip could become between US$75 and US$100 more expensive due to increased fuel consumption, operating time, and equipment usage.
Furthermore, the delays could lead to storage problems, breaches of contract, and delays in inventory replenishment.
Products entering through Puerto Caldera include clothing, footwear, appliances, vehicles, iron, and various raw materials.
Crecex also warned that reduced container turnover could slow port operations and generate additional costs for importers and logistics operators.
The business sector called on authorities to address the situation quickly, given the strategic importance of Ruta 27 for foreign trade and the country’s supply chain.