In the first six months of 2019, beer imports into Central America totaled $108 million, and purchases from the U.S. increased 31% over the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphics"]
As a result of the tax reform implemented in February 2019, Nicaragua tripled the tax burden on imports of all types of beverages, and nine months later, businessmen are still waiting for the government to review the collections.
On February 27, 2019, the amendment to the Tax Concertation Law was approved, which consisted of raising from 1% to 2% the income tax for medium sized companies with higher income, and for large taxpayers from 1% to 3%, the livestock sector has reported considerable increases in its production costs.
During the first half of 2019, imports of bottled water in Central America totaled $12 million, and purchases from companies in the United States increased 10% over the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
Panamanian industrialists consider that the approach under which the new tax of 7% on carbonated beverages and 5% on other sugary beverages was defined uses discriminatory fiscal measures.
On November 18, Law 114 was published in the Official Journal, entitled "What creates the Action Plan to Improve Health and dictates other provisions to establish the selective tax on the consumption of sugary beverages and the criteria for its use", which stipulates a 7% tax on carbonated beverages, 5% for other sugary beverages and 10% for syrups, and sugar concentrates for the production of sugary beverages.
A law was published in the Official Journal of Panama that establishes a 7% tax on carbonated beverages, 5% for other sugary beverages and 10% for syrups, syrups and concentrates for the production of sugary beverages.
On November 18, Law 114 was published in the Official Journal, entitled " What creates the Action Plan to Improve Health and dictates other provisions to establish the selective tax on the consumption of sugary beverages and the criteria for its use."
In the first half of 2019, Central American companies imported fruit and vegetable juices for $63 million, and purchases from companies in Mexico increased 5% over the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with the graphic"]
During September 2019, the production of alcoholic beverages in Panama was 24 million liters, and beer production fell 13% compared to the same month in 2018.
According to figures from the General Comptroller of the Republic, the accumulated production of alcoholic beverages in general reported a decline, reducing from 227.3 million liters from January to September 2018, to 218.3 million liters in the same period of 2019.
From January to March 2019, Central American companies imported $109 million in alcoholic beverages, 24% more than in the same period in 2018, mainly explained by purchases from the U.S. and Mexico.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAFICA caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
From January to August 2019, the production of alcoholic beverages in Panama was 194 million liters, and beer production fell 3% compared to the same period in 2018.
According to figures from the General Comptroller of the Republic, the production of alcoholic beverages in general reported a decline, reducing from 199.8 million liters from January to August 2018, to 193.9 million liters in the same period of 2019.
In the first three months of 2019, Central American countries imported $19 million in wine, 6% more than in the same period in 2018, a rise explained by purchases from companies in Chile and Spain.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAPHIC caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
In the first three months of 2019, countries in the region imported non-alcoholic beverages for $109 million, and purchases from the U.S. grew 10% over the same period in 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit at CentralAmericaData: [GRAPHIC caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
From October 2019, the Toña brand of beer, which is of Nicaraguan origin, will begin to be marketed in El Salvador.
Company executives indicated through a statement that the beer brewed by Compañía Cervecera de Nicaragua (CCN), will be distributed in El Salvador by the company Distribuidora Morazán.
In Costa Rica, a bill is being discussed that seeks to combat adulteration and smuggling of alcoholic beverages, but the business sector believes that if approved, the result could be an increase in illegal trafficking.
The project called "Law against adulteration and smuggling of alcoholic beverages", proposes the use of technological tools to combat smuggling, imitation and adulteration of alcoholic beverages. See full bill.
During the first quarter of 2019, imports of bottled water in Central America totaled $7 million, 7% more than what was purchased in the same period of 2018.
Figures from the Trade Intelligence Unit of CentralAmericaData: [GRAPHIC caption="Click to interact with graphic"]
Last year, bottled water sales in Costa Rica were estimated at $89 million and they are expected to increase up to $106 million in 2023, a behavior explained by the downward trend in the consumption of carbonated beverages.
Although companies such as Florida Ice & Farm Co (Fifco) and Coca Cola Femsa have the opportunity to grow in the Costa Rican market, they will also face competition from new entrants such as Premium Brands.
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