Portugal Interested in Salvadoran SugarFriday, April 9, 2010 Delegates from Lisbon-based “Refinería de Azúcar Reunidas” (RAR, Spanish for Reunited Sugar Refineries) stated their interest in purchasing raw sugar. In light of the impending commercial treaty with the European Union, a delegation from the sugar industry visited El Salvador, and conducted technical visits to plantations. New Markets for Guatemalan Exotic FruitsMonday, February 23, 2009 In 2008, France and Italy were incorporated as new destinations for the export of exotic fruits. El Periódico publishes in its website: "´It was the year with greatest growth in production and, for this season, a 20 percent increase is forecasted,´ adds Luis de Paz. Besides ´rambután´ the business produces mangosteen, khaki (persimón) and medlar. Lafinita, which counts on more than two decades of being in the market, has planned to arrive in places such as Germany, Holland and Spain in addition to France and Italy." Honduran Banana Exports IncreaseThursday, February 26, 2009 At the closing of 2008, the value of exports totaled $383.8 million, the highest value of the current decade. LaPrensahn.com publishes: "The volume exported also was the highest of the decade, since they put to market 30.3 million cases, 600, 000 more than the prior year. Executives of the Standard Fruit Company and the Tela Railroad Company said that their expectations are to maintain the statistical figures reported during 2008." Europe is Not Easy for Non-Traditional ExportsWednesday, October 3, 2012 Although there is a market in the EU for Nicaraguan non-traditional products, producers face tough requirements and controls in order to conquer it. In 2013 the trade component of the Association Agreement with the European Union will come into effect, which will liberalize most of the Central American export goods. El Salvador Could Lose Share in EU SugarFriday, June 21, 2013 If Salvadoran Congress has not approved the Association Agreement with the European Union before July 15, the country will lose the benefit of exporting sugar to Europe duty free. This was stated by the Association of Sugarcane Growers of El Salvador (Procaña), who demanded that the Salvadoran Congress ratify the agreement soon. "Of this amount, El Salvador is entitled to a share of 24,391 tonnes while Guatemala can export 65,000, Nicaragua 21,681, and Honduras and Costa Rica can export 19,464 each," noted an article in Elsalvador.com. Nicaragua: Wood Sector Prepared for AAFriday, August 30, 2013 About ten companies in the wood and furniture sector have already obtained the requirements demanded by the European Union to export their products. This was announced by the president of the MesoAmerican and Caribbean Network of Trade and Forestry (Jagwood), Danilo Cedeno. The certificates possessed by these companies allow access to preferential markets such as the U.S. and Europe. Guatemala and Harnessing the Europe AgreementThursday, January 9, 2014 The elimination of tariffs on agricultural products and flexible rules of origin for products such as tuna, textiles and plastics are part of the changes incorporated in the Agreement. The Minister of Economy, Sergio de la Torre said that in the next few years Guatemala's exports to Europe could be doubled, as has happened with the other trade agreements that the Central American nation has signed. Export Sector’s GSP+ Extension RequestThursday, November 10, 2011 The Costa Rican export sector will request an extension of GSP+ before December 2013, if the approval of the FTA with the EU is delayed. The Association Agreement with Europe, which must be ratified by the Legislature, will be entering the plenary for discussion in the first quarter of 2012. New Markets for Clothes ManufacturersFriday, April 13, 2012 Nicaragua's textile companies have started exporting to Turkey and Finland, as an "exploration" before the agreement with the EU comes into force. Start Date of AACUE to be Defined In MayWednesday, April 24, 2013 Lack of ratification of the Association Agreement by most Central American countries, has raised questions about the time of its entry into force. An article in 7dias.com.do reports that "Representatives from the Central American countries and the European Union (EU) will define on May 15, the day when the Association Agreement will enter into force, diplomatic sources said today." Guatemala Requests Extension of GSP-PlusFriday, August 9, 2013 Given the uncertainty about the date of entry into force of the Association Agreement with the EU, the country is seeking to ensure the validity of the Generalized System of Preferences. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP Plus) expires on December 31, 2013 for which reason the country has asked for a two year extension. If You Can't Sell Your Sugar, Let Me Sell MineTuesday, August 20, 2013 Nicaragua and Honduras want to regionalize the EU quota, to be able to offer 53,000 tons of sugar. Producers want the export quotas that the sugar growers in Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala were not able to meet, as in those countries the Association Agreement is not yet in force, said Mario Amador Rivas, general manager of the National Committee of Sugar Producers (CNPA). Not All of EU Textile Quota Will Be UsedTuesday, October 1, 2013 In the remainder of the year Nicaragua will only take advantage of 30% of the eight million pieces of textiles that the EU has assigned it, meaning that sales will be worth just $2 million. Dean Garcia, executive director of the Nicaraguan Association of the Textile and Apparel Industry, explained that with one quarter of the year left it will be difficult for Nicaraguan firms to find new European customers. Central America and European ConsumersMonday, October 7, 2013 With the entry into force of the Association Agreement with the EU exporters will find consumers who demand quality in products and services but at a lower price. When negotiations began on the trade agreement in 2008, its reference point was the stability that existed at that time on the continent. However, after the economic crisis hit Europe, the outlook now is different. Panama Triples Exports to EUWednesday, October 9, 2013 Exports in 2012 were $488.7 million, whereas in 2011 sales totaled $158.8 million. With the signing of the trade agreement between Central America and the European Union figures are expected to increase further. 13.5% of Panamanian exports are destined for a European country and are surpassed only by South Korea and the U.S. |
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