Most of Costa Rica's traditional export markets are depressed, so exporters must find new ones.
Friday, July 5, 2013
During the first five months of 2013, exports of goods fell by 3%, unlike other years, such as 2011, when foreign sales reported an increase of 7.6%, and 2012, when the hike was 13.1%.
Sales to the U.S., Costa Rica's top export destination, with 38% of total exports, have been stagnant since October 2012. "Other destinations such as Central America, which accounts for 19% of exports, are also still under performing, and new frontiers such as China, (...) also have a negative trend," noted an article in Revistamyt.com.
According to the president of the Chamber of Exporters, Monica Segnini, "when doors close on us, we go out looking where to open new ones, in this respect, we never rest, we are constantly carrying out market research. In June we had an aggressive agenda in the South American market. There were many entrepreneurs who saw business opportunities in Colombia, we are going to do the same thing with Peru and Chile, this is a way of compensating. "
Similarly, work is being done on providing technology and training for the sector, in addition to eliminating middlemen in the marketing chain so that small businesses can export directly and do not lose out due to their "lack of muscle", in order to alleviate the crisis.
Exports are preparing to close the year with a decrease of 7% compared to 2012.
This is according to the estimates of the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (Cadexco). The decline in international prices for products such as coffee is one of the reasons for the decline in exports. Agricultural exports could go from $2.510 billion in 2012 to $2.341 billion in 2013.
The policy of immigration control of the government of Costa Rica does not match the realities imposed by recently signed trade agreements.
Miguel Miranda, owner of Mondaisa, was going to board a plane that would take him to Peru where he has business deals for exporting his products, however, because he lacked the visa that the country requires Costa Ricans to have, he had to postpone his trip, not having been aware of the requirement. After several efforts in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry and the Embassy of Peru, he was able to board a few hours later.
One by one the main leaders of Costa Rican business associations have expressed their appreciation and optimism for the agreements reached with the Chinese government.
The Costa Rican business sector believes that the decisions taken by the Governments of Costa Rica and China will help, directly or indirectly, the Costa Rican economy.
Business chambers in Costa Rica asked Congress for the prompt adoption of the Association Agreement with the European Union.
Monica Segnini, president of the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica, said that there is a commitment by European lawmakers to approve the treaty in January 2013.
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