Last year, trade in paints and varnishes between Central American countries amounted to $123 million, which is 10% lower than in 2019, a drop that was reported in the context of the economic crisis resulting from the Covid-19 outbreak.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graph"]
As a result of the blockade that has been in place since July 2020 on the entry of animal products from Costa Rica into the Panamanian market, Costa Rican exports to Panama are reported to have fallen and companies such as Dos Pinos are reporting losses in the millions.
The trade conflict began when Panama informed the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), an agency of Costa Rica's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), of the decision not to extend export authorization to a list of previously authorized Costa Rican establishments that have been trading in the Panamanian market for many years.
Reducing costs and barriers to foreign trade in Central American economies is key for the region to overcome the economic recession caused by the outbreak of Covid-19.
A report prepared by the World Bank explains that boosting economic activity and employing a higher percentage of the labor force are objectives that can be achieved through reforms that strengthen the private sector and attract investment.
Unless intra-regional trade in chemical contents and residues, micronutrients and food preparations is regulated in a balanced manner, trade relations in Central America could face obstacles in the future.
Trade between Central American countries is essential, since a considerable proportion of foreign sales by local companies are destined for other markets in the region.
Strengthening trade between the US and the region, fighting corruption in the Northern Triangle and reducing illegal migration flows, are some of the axes on which Joe Biden, the US president who has been sworn in, is expected to focus.
Biden, representative of the Democratic Party and winner of the last US elections, whose results were close, arrives at the White House to replace Donald Trump.
Due to the tropical storms Eta and Iota, severe damage has been reported to the road network in Central American countries, and some border posts in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador have been suspended.
Since November 17, operations were suspended at the El Corinto, El Florido and Aguas Calientes border posts. These areas, shared by Guatemala and Honduras, are not operational, according to the Guatemalan Superintendence of Tax Administration (SAT).
Following what began as a blockade by Panama on the entry of animal products from Costa Rica, a formal proposal has been made to apply an import tariff to Costa Rican dairy products marketed in the Panamanian market.
In July of this year, Panama informed the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), an agency of the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG), of the decision not to extend the export authorization to a list of Costa Rican establishments previously authorized and that have been trading in the Panamanian market for many years.
Arguing that there is unfair treatment in the other countries of the region, Costa Rican drivers of cargo vehicles block the transit through the border posts of Penas Blancas and Paso Canoas.
The protests in Costa Rica, which affect vehicle circulation in the country and border crossings, will have a short-term impact on intraregional trade and cargo transport costs.
In order to access the $1.75 billion credit that it intends to request from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Costa Rican government proposed to tax financial transactions, raise the tax on the profits of companies and individuals, and increase the tax on real estate.
As of October 1st, Guatemala and Honduras will begin operating three Peripheral Customs Offices, areas that will simplify procedures and allow free community mobility between both countries.
Guatemalan and Honduran taxpayers who make definitive imports to each State Party will be the ones to benefit from the implementation of this type of customs, since the goods imported under this modality will enjoy free mobility.
In order to ensure the supply of drinking water supply to half of the Panamanian population for the next 50 years, achieve water sustainability in its operations and guarantee its competitiveness, the Panama Canal will invest $2 billion.
The blockade to the entrance of products of animal origin coming from Costa Rica to the Panamanian market, has derived in a commercial conflict in which both countries have their share of responsibility, since the authorities of both nations advocate for protectionist measures.
On July 10, 2020, Panama informed the National Animal Health Service (SENASA), an agency of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Costa Rica (MAG), about the decision not to extend the authorization for export to a list of Costa Rican establishments previously authorized and that have been commercializing in the Panamanian market for many years.
After the Panamanian government agreed to ban the entry of animal products from Costa Rica, Panamanian businessmen supported the measure and asked to discuss the export and import requirements, since they claim that their agricultural products are prevented from accessing the Costa Rican market.
The trade dispute began when on July 10 Panama informed the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) of the Costa Rican Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) of the decision not to extend export authorization to a list of previously authorized Costa Rican establishments that have been exporting to Panama for many years.
Following Panama's blockade of the entry of animal products from Costa Rica, arguing that the permits have expired, Costa Rican authorities decided to notify the World Trade Organization of the dispute.
On July 10, Panama informed the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) of Costa Rica's Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) of the decision not to extend export permits to a list of previously authorized Costa Rican establishments that have been exporting to Panama for many years.
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