César Estrada, from the Commerce and Service Chamber explained they have noticed a slight improvement, especially in school supplies and home appliances.

In 2010, he expects consumption to improve, together with economic recovery. However, potential new taxes and lack of transparency in how public funds are managed may slow this down, he added.

Source: prensalibre.com

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Guatemala: Commerce Sales Drop

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In the services sector, there was a 6.1% reduction, from $887 million in February 2008 to $838 million during the same month this year.

According to elPeriodico of Guatemala, the President of the Chamber of Commerce, Jorge Briz said that "the devaluation of the quetzal is taking away from household purchasing power which then reduces consumption, and he expects that this sales trend will continue."