In the first quarter of 2021 the main rice importing country in Central America was Honduras with $21 million, purchases to the United States, Costa Rica, Argentina and Mexico increased by 80.78%, 4.1%, 3.55% and 2.74%, in their order.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData:
China is the source market for imports that has remained the most stable since 2012, since in that year it represented 42% of regional purchases and in 2020 it represents 72%.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"].
Imports in the sector are still rising, as in 2020 companies from Central American countries imported $541 million in laptops and similar devices, 25% more than what was registered in 2019.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
In 2019 and 2020, Brazilian companies were the main suppliers of water heaters in the Central American market, since in both years they cornered more than 30% of total regional imports.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
During 2020, Central American countries imported $254 million for printing machines and devices, and purchases from German companies grew 79% compared to what was reported in 2019.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
During 2020, Central American rice imports amounted to $388 million, and purchases from Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay increased in year-on-year terms by 751%, 330% and 218%, respectively.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"].
In recent years, cement from Vietnam has gained importance in terms of amount purchased, as in 2016 it represented just 0.01% of total regional imports and in 2020 it became the main supplier, as the share went up to 32%.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
During 2020, Central America's imports of pharmaceutical products containing insulin totaled $35 million, and purchases from Danish companies increased 11% over what was reported in 2019.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
During 2020, companies in the region allocated $134 million for the import of vaccines for human use, and purchases from Russian companies increased 54% over what was reported in 2019.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
Due to the high demand for commodities, it is estimated that prices in the international market have increased on average between 30% and 40%, a situation that favors Nicaraguan exporters of raw materials.
According to local businessmen, the price of coffee has climbed to historic highs, since last week it was quoted at $170 per quintal, a price that has not been registered since years ago.