Costa Rica exported goods worth $2.4 billion in the first quarter of this year, compared to $2.2 billion during the same period last year.

But that 7.6% growth in exports did not bless all sectors of the economy.

Among the winners, according to the Foreign Trade Ministry (COMEX), was the agriculture sector, which grew 10%, thanks to good performances from the pineapple, banana and coffee harvests. Exports of cantaloupe, however, suffered a 15% blow due to bad weather conditions.

Another strong showing was posted in the food industry, whose sales abroad increased 30%, thanks to palm oil, prepared foods, juices and fruit spreads.

Industrial exports grew 6.3%, due to improved sales of goods such as computer parts and medical implants, COMEX said.

Exports of textiles, however, fell 24%. The decrease, according to the ministry, was caused by the closure of several businesses that have lost customers in the delay surrounding the implementation of the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA), which voters approved in a referendum last October.

The United States continued to be the principal destination for Costa Rican exports, despite a 4.6% drop in exports to that country. Other big trading partners were Costa Rica's Central American neighbors, China and the European Union.

Last year, exports totaled $9.34 billion, 14% more than the $8.2 billion in 2006.

Trade authorities have set a goal of $18 billion in annual exports by 2010. However, that goal seems to be getting harder to achieve, according to various official sources.