Arguing that through molecular biology tests the presence of the Avocado Sunblotch viroid was detected in shipments from Honduras, Costa Rican authorities decided to impose requirements on the entry of the fruit produced in Honduran territory.
Fernando Araya, Director of the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE), confirmed on May 25, 2021 that "... from this moment on, when samples are taken for analysis by the Molecular Biology Laboratory of avocado shipments from Honduras, these will be retained and will be released once a negative result for Avocado Sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) is obtained. The above in compliance with the responsibility to prevent the introduction and spread of pests that threaten food security and economic activity based on agricultural production."
In recent years, regional avocado exports have gained importance, as in 2018 they amounted to $2.8 million, in 2019 they climbed to $10.9 million and in 2020 they rose to $11.9 million.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
From January to September 2020 exports from Central America of palm oil and its fractions totaled $648 million, an amount that exceeds by 12% what was reported in the same period of 2019.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
From January to September 2020, companies in the region bought corn abroad for $753 million, 10% more than what was reported in the same period of 2019, a variation that is explained by the rise in imports from Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and Panama.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
From January to September 2020, Central American vegetable exports totaled $229 million, 44% more than what was reported in the same period of 2019, an increase that is largely explained by the behavior of sales to U.S. companies.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
In order to overcome the trade conflict resulting from the blocking of the entry of animal products from Costa Rica into the Panamanian market, both nations have started a dialogue.
The trade conflict between the two countries began in July 2020, when Panama informed the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), an agency of the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), of the decision not to extend export authorization to a list of previously authorized Costa Rican establishments that have been trading in the Panamanian market for many years.
From January to June 2020, Central American vegetable exports totaled $168 million, and sales to U.S. companies grew by 67% when compared to exports in the same period in 2019.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graph"]
Since December 2020, exporters and importers of plant products will be able to process certifications digitally with the Costa Rican authorities.
The digitalization process modernizes the way of trade, makes it faster and more reliable and eliminates the use of paper, simplifying procedures, reducing time and costs, explains a statement from the State Phytosanitary Service (SFE).
During the first seven months of 2020, exports of palm oil and its derivatives from Central America to Mexican companies totaled $138 million, 22% more than the same period in 2019.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graph"]
From January to March 2020, Central American vegetable exports totaled $99 million, 77% more than what was reported for the same period in 2019, a rise that is explained by the increase in the average price and the sales behavior of Guatemalan companies.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
The blockade to the entrance of products of animal origin coming from Costa Rica to the Panamanian market, has derived in a commercial conflict in which both countries have their share of responsibility, since the authorities of both nations advocate for protectionist measures.
On July 10, 2020, Panama informed the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), an agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica (MAG), about the decision not to extend the authorization for export to a list of Costa Rican establishments previously authorized and that have been commercializing in the Panamanian market for many years.
After the Panamanian government agreed to ban the entry of animal products from Costa Rica, Panamanian businessmen supported the measure and asked to discuss the export and import requirements, since they claim that their agricultural products are prevented from accessing the Costa Rican market.
The trade dispute began when on July 10 Panama informed the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) of the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) of the decision not to extend export authorization to a list of previously authorized Costa Rican establishments that have been exporting to Panama for many years.
In the first six months of 2019, Central American countries exported pineapple for $525 million, and sales to companies in the United Kingdom grew by 5% over the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphics"]
During the first half of 2019, exports from Central America of palm oil and its fractions reached $333 million, and sales to companies in Spain increased by 93% compared to the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphics"]
The government decreed that starting January 1, 2020, banana exporters in Costa Rica will pay local producers a minimum price of $8.36 per 18.14 kilo box.
The authorized increase will be $0.67 per box of 18.14 kilos, from $7.69 to $8.36 for each package sold abroad, reported the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC).