MANAGUA – Exports for the first 10 months of this year totaled $1.05 billion, almost equaling the 2006 total of $1.06 billion, according to the Export Processing Center (CETREX).
Exports this year were originally calculated to reach $1.1 billion – the highest in three decades – but the number might be even higher, given this year’s 17.3% increase so far.
According to CETREX, coffee continues to be the leading export product, registering $163.9 million during the first 10 months of the year, down from $186 million during the same period last year. The second leading export is beef, which at $151.2 million is up $31 million from last year.
The increase in exports is being attributed to the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA), which entered into force here April 1, 2006.
