Of the total exports by the region, 29% goes to the countries that comprise it, reaching $6.403 billion at the end of 2008.
This figure is slightly above the average of 27.7% observed over the past five years.
The major exporters within the region are Guatemala, which has concentrated at least 33% of the average for the past four years, followed by El Salvador with 24%, Costa Rica with 23% and Honduras and Nicaragua added 20%.
By improving the movement of merchandise within Central America, the region will facilitate negotiations for a trade association agreement with the European Union.
Costa Rica's exports to its neighbors grew sharply in the first five months of the year. Sales to Panama rose by 37 percent, followed by Nicaragua with 20 percent and El Salvador with 18 percent.