After the difficulties generated by the restrictions imposed by Costa Rica on the entry of cargo from neighboring countries were overcome, the Costa Rican pilots denounce that the authorities of the region, far from applying reciprocal measures, have established "repressive measures."
Between May 18 and June 1, 2020, the free transit of goods in Central America was interrupted.
Added to the factors already deteriorating competitiveness in the export sector are increased thefts of merchandise on the country's roads and infiltration of drug trafficking in exports.
The National Chamber of Cargo Carriers (Canatrac) reports that attacks on trucks on roads in the country have increased since 2012.They state "... on average 12 assaults used to be committed per year, however the figure has risen to 20 in recent years'."
As part of the border posts improvement plan, the Government is proposing a toll, charging $25 per export declaration and $5 per person.
The charge would be implemented at the border crossings at Peñas Blancas, Sixaola, Paso Canoas and Las Tablillas (Los Chiles).
Proceeds will be used to pay back the $80 million loan granted by the Inter-American Development Bank to finance the construction, equipping and improving processes at these border posts and to create a fund to maintain them. Some 4% would be paid to the municipalities where the crossings are located.
Carriers have been on strike for five days now at the Paso Canoas border between Costa Rica and Panama; they reject an increase in fumigation fees.
On June 15, the Panamanian delegation of the OIRSA, a regional health authority, increased from $5 to $11 the fee charged to trucks when fumigating cargo trucks.
“Veranado Ríos, from the Transportation Union of Chiriquí, Panama, assured that this increase was put in place without consulting any business chamber, union or association”, reported Nacion.com.
Truckers from both countries are protesting a $5 increase in vehicle fumigation fees and slow procedures in the customs office at Paso Canoa.
On June 15, Oirsa, a regional health authority, increased the phytosanitary fumigation costs at borders from $6 to $11.
An article in Prensa.com remarks that “Juan Carlos Segura, from the Costa Rican National Transportation Chamber, explained they decided to paralyze transport since yesterday at 8:00 for an undefined time, until this surcharge is removed”.