Growth of more than 300% has been reported in Colombian exports to Nicaragua between 2016 and 2017, mainly explained by the sales of oil and its derivatives.
Data from ProColombia provided by the Colombian Embassy details that exports from the mining sector led the growth of 362% reported in exports between 2016 and 2017.Exports from other sectors, such as agri-food, metal-mechanics and chemicals also registered double-digit increases.
Promotion is being given to exports to China of organic cocoa-based foods, chocolate confectionery, unsweetened cocoa powder and cocoa paste.
From a statement issued by the Foreign Trade Office of Costa Rica:
Western foods are gaining increasing market share in South Korea, whose market depends heavily on imports, which have been boosted by growth in per capita spending on food.
High potential for online shopping in China has brought up opportunities for segments such as bathing suits, where 60% are imported products.
From a statement issued by PROCOMER:
Japan is one of the main entry points to the Asian region and is also a fashion leader, an industry worth approximately $110,000 million. According to a report by ProColombia, Japan imports more than 60% of its swimsuits and it was also found that consumers pay higher prices for these products, making it an attractive market to service.
On August 12nd and 13rd the Sixth Business Roundtable on Construction Materials between South and Central America will take place in Panama City.
Colombian companies will be showcasing at the Megapolis Convention Center in Panama City their offers of "... construction materials, furniture and wood, metal, tools and appliances to local and international buyers."
The South American country is one of the leading suppliers of construction materials in the region, where Panama alone imported $86 million worth in 2014.
The sector supplying Colombian construction materials has Central America as one of its main markets, where it mainly exports articles of iron and steel, electrical appliances, ceramics, clay and stone, extracts, pigments and paints, aluminum and tools, according to figures from ProColombia.
38% of the colombian companies who have invested in the country are dedicated to services, 28% to industry, 11% to construction and 23% to tourism, commerce or agriculture.
The service, food and manufacturing sectors are generating the most interest among Colombian investors, who in the last ten years have invested about $750 million in Costa Rica. Data from Procolombia added that in the same period, the Central American country has invested just $269 million in Colombia.
The union of exporters is preparing a meeting for May with Colombian and Guatemalan companies to look at opportunities offered by the FTA signed between the two countries.
From a statement issued by the Guatemalan Exporters Association (Agexport):
Under the framework of the Export Council for Mesoamerica and the Caribbean at AGEXPORT, the Department of Trade Promotion and ProColombia, held a meeting to organize a major event for next May.
Between January and October 2014 the South American country exported 18% more fresh fruits to the European Union, as a result of the tariff benefits arising from the agreement.
From a statement issued by the Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Office (Procomer):
The tariff benefits coming from the Free Trade Agreement between Colombia and the European Union (EU) are promoting new exports, said ProColombia.