Central American exports increased 22 percent in 2011

Central American exports totaled $52 billion in 2011, an increase of 22.3 percent from the previous year, the Secretariat of Central American Economic Integration reported Tuesday.

The report states that Panama’s exports grew nearly 33 percent in 2011, while Costa Rica had the least growth at less than 10 percent. Nicaragua reported an increase of 30 percent, while Honduras and Guatemala had similar increases, with 26 percent and 27 percent, respectively. El Salvador registered an increase of 18 percent.

Figures were compiled from the central banks of each nation.

Goods that demonstrated the most export growth included coffee (up by 14 percent), integrated circuits (6 percent) and bananas (6 percent).