After in May 2020, in the context of the pandemic caused by covid-19, Central American imports of oiling fell to a historic low of $242 million, in the following months an incipient recovery was evidenced.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"].
In the first nine months of 2018, countries in the region imported petroleum oils for $7,598 million, 25% more than in the same period in 2017, a rise explained by purchases from the U.S.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
The current national accounts methodology could be causing an underestimation of the value and potential of an industry that has become a success.
In his article in Ca-bi.com, Paulo de León objects to the failure to update the Guatemalan national accounts system, resulting in an underestimation of the weight of the sector in the Guatemalan economy, as that system does not incorporate the shift in the energy matrix towards renewable energy.
The fall in oil prices has reversed the cost equation which previously favored investment in renewable energy.
EDITORIAL
The effect of the price of a barrel of oil falling below $50 is now being felt in the decisions which must be taken by energy buyers and regulatory officials in the electricity markets. The thing is that -suddenly - electricity produced using hydrocarbons may cost less than energy from solar power, and even hydroelectricity.
The conditions in Petrocaribe will never be the same: the new government of Venezuela will change preferential credit terms for the purchase of oil.
This was explained by the Vice President of Guatemala Roxana Baldetti, who has already met with representatives of Petrocaribe. "Back then, the conditions were the sale of up to 20 thousand barrels per day, of which 40% of the value would be paid in 90 days and the remainder within 25 years, with a rate of 1%. Same as offered to Honduras, reported Laprensa.hn.
The fall in European’s consumption capacities and the increase in those of the Centrals Americans has created expectations by businesses which fall outside of the traditional areas in both regions.
An article in Prensalibre.com highlights the change in the sectoral composition of Spanish trade missions in Central American territories.
Before those that came were mostly utility businesses, whereas now companies interested in these markets are producers of goods.