El Salvador: Productive Sector Not Optimistic

2012 will not be a good year for most of the Salvadoran productive sectors, whose executives expect no growth or only 1% growth.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The continuation of the slow recovery of the U.S. economy and increased exports to other Central American countries, are the only glimmers of hope to which businesses are clinging to reach 2% growth. If achieved, such growth rates will be considered very good for 2012, a year that will be marked by adverse conditions for the country's productive sectors.

The almost inevitable recession in Europe and the lack of further financial support from the Government are the main causes for the discouraging view of businesses.

Mario Magaña, director of economic and commercial affairs at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said another important factor must be added to the mix: foreign investment. "In recent years it has been pretty depressed. El Salvador is at the bottom with between 300 and 400 million dollars per year, even below Nicaragua and Honduras, who have been receiving about 800 million a year. In addition, local investment is also quite stagnant. "

More on this topic

Costa Rica: Economic Growth of 4% in 2011

December 2011

The Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) has announced that the country will close 2011 with a growth rate of 4% and a fiscal deficit equal to 5% of GDP.

Rodrigo Bolanos, president of the BCCR said at a press conference that the growth of 4%, is lower than last July’s projection of 4.5%.

Delay in regulating Law for Production Promotion

December 2011

The regulation establishing export incentives for "draw back" substitutes is still pending approval in El Salvador.

During the inauguration of the Third Meeting of Exporters, the Exporters Corporation of El Salvador (Coexport) called on the Government to establish the dates for the entry into force of the regulations on the Law for the Promotion of Production, which establishes new incentives.

Strengthening Growth in Nicaragua

November 2011

With the exception of the financial sector, which shows a negative trend, the country's monthly index of economic activity confirms the good results, especially for the trade, industry and farming sectors.

Nicaragua's Monthly Index of Economic Activity (IMAE) for August, just published by the country's central bank (BCN in Spanish) has recorded growth of 7.6%.

Salvadoran Exports Closing on 2008 Levels

May 2010

Exports increased 12.8% in the first quarter of 2010 when compared to the same period of 2009, but are still 4.5% below 2008 levels.

Francisco Martín Bolaños, president of the Corporation of Salvadoran Exporters (Coexport), explained that with this increase, they are only recovering from the considerable drop suffered on 2009. In that year, the country sold $3.21 billion, down from $3.86 billion in 2008.

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