Exports to U.S. up 35% Since CAFTA

Nicaraguan exports to the United States have surged 35.5% in the first two years of the Central American Free-Trade Agreement with the United States (CAFTA).

Nicaraguan exports to the United States grossed $243.4 million in 2005, before CAFTA entered into force in April 2006. In 2007 exports to the United States totaled $328.3 million, according to Roberto Brenes, who heads Nicaragua’s Center for Promotion of Exports and Investment.

Brenes said Nicaragua has seen trade growth on at least 18 products, mainly agricultural and agroindustrial. U.S. investment in Nicaragua has also grown, Brenes said, from $35.9 million in 2005 to $83.5 million in 2007.