While the fall in imports of capital goods in general was 4.6%, in the agricultural sector the reduction was 24.3%.
This is mainly due to reduced tractor imports from Mexico.
Latribuna.hn reports that "there was a similar trend for capital goods for transport, with a reduction of $48.9 million compared to what was achieved in the first eight months of 2012."
Honduras was the worst-hit (-26.15%), while Nicaragua the least (-16.06%).
Data from Sieca shows that Central America exported 10% less to the rest of the world in 2009 than in 2008. Imports fell even more, 24.3% when compared to 2008.
In El Salvador, trade with the rest of the world contracted 20.18%, in Costa Rica 18.9% and in Guatemala 17.99%.
By the end of July, imports had dropped 20.75%, and exports 36%.
Ignacio Elías, Mexican commerce adviser in Guatemala, stated that both businessmen and governments want to strengthen the trade relationship.
From Prensalibre.com: "A trade mission from Puebla, comprising 23 business, will visit the country in October. Officials from the Commercial Secretary of Puebla will also participate in the mission".
From January to May 2009, $1.736 were exported and imported within the region, down from the $2.196 million registered in the same period of 2009.
The global economic crisis was the main reason behind the fall in regional trade, as imports and exports to the rest of the world also decreased, with drops of 30% and 15% respectively.
"The drop in trade was one justification used by ministers from Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica, when opposing sanctions to Honduras", published Nacion.com. "The ministers warned that political sanctions, such as isolation, will only impact commerce, job generation and areas affecting all five countries".