BLP’s summary of the most important regional news and opportunities offers an overview of the economic, social, and political landscape of Central America at just a click away.
Costa Rica’s exports exceed $7.4 billion, solidifying its position as a trade leader
Costa Rica’s goods exports totaled US$7.463 billion between January and April 2026, a 7% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from PROCOMER. The definitive regime contributed US$2.439 billion, up 9%, while the agricultural sector showed strong performance driven by medical devices (an additional US$66 million), pineapple (US$63 million), and bananas (US$53 million). The Minister of Foreign Trade highlighted growth in exports to Europe and Asia as a sign of strategic diversification. This result reaffirms Costa Rica as a sophisticated export economy with high value-added and a consolidated presence in multiple international markets, making it highly attractive for investment.
Costa Rica Sets Out to Conquer Europe in Search of New Investments
The Costa Rican Foreign Trade Promotion Agency (PROCOMER) has embarked on a strategic tour of Europe to attract new investments in key sectors such as agribusiness, high-value services, and tourism infrastructure projects. The mission aims to position Costa Rica among European companies and investors as a competitive, safe destination with favorable legal conditions for business development. The focus on agribusiness reflects the country’s strong export performance in products such as pineapple, bananas, and fruit juices, which are gaining a growing presence in European markets. The services sector remains a strategic pillar, with tourism projected to reach record figures by 2026. This initiative reinforces Costa Rica’s active internationalization policy to diversify investment sources and strengthen its economy.
Costa Rica Strengthens Its Fiscal Health by Reducing Debt to 59.2% of GDP
Costa Rica’s debt-to-GDP ratio stood at 59.2% at the end of March 2026, an improvement from the 60.4% recorded at the end of 2025, according to the Ministry of Finance. The country recorded a primary surplus equivalent to 0.5% of GDP in the first quarter, marking six consecutive years of revenue exceeding expenditure, excluding interest payments. Interest payments on public debt also showed a year-to-year reduction, easing pressure on the government’s finances. The Ministry of Finance highlighted that Costa Rica’s country risk remains lower than that of other economies in the region, which reduces the cost of external financing. These indicators reinforce international markets’ confidence in Costa Rica’s fiscal discipline.
Juan Santamaría Airport Opens Modern Arrivals Area with US$62 Million Investment
Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport has opened its new 3,800-square-meter arrivals area, part of the International Terminal expansion included in the Master Plan. The project, with an investment of US$62 million, will add more than 10,000 square meters to the western section of the terminal upon completion, with new areas for inspection, passenger service, and more efficient passenger flow. This improvement responds to the sustained growth of international air traffic experienced by the country. The expansion raises the operational standards of Costa Rica’s main airport and strengthens its capacity to handle the increase in visitors and cargo. With this investment, Costa Rica continues to invest in world-class infrastructure that boosts competitiveness and tourism.
Costa Rica Advances Modernization of Electricity Sector with Reform to Boost Energy Competitiveness
Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly approved in its first debate, with 27 votes in favor, a bill seeking to reform the national electricity model by creating the National Electricity System Coordinating Entity (ECOSEN). The initiative, supported by the government and business chambers, opens electricity generation to greater private participation, while maintaining tariff regulation and state oversight of transmission and distribution. The bill aims to prepare the country to meet the growing energy demands of high-intensity industries, electric mobility, and data centers. Proponents argue that the current system needs to be adapted to attract high-value investments in the coming decades. The debate reflects the country’s strategic vision for a more modern, competitive, and investment-friendly energy system.
El Salvador debuts at number 80 globally and enters the Top 10 most innovative countries in Latin America
El Salvador has entered StartupBlink’s 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index for the first time, debuting at number 80 worldwide and positioning itself as the tenth most innovative country in Latin America. The organization highlighted that El Salvador is the highest-ranked new country in the index and holds first place in Central America in the ecosystem brand value pillar, as well as third place in the region for ecosystem visibility. This progress is a result of regulations such as the Law for the Promotion of Innovation and Technology Manufacturing and the Artificial Intelligence Law, which have created favorable conditions for startups and technology companies. The local startup ecosystem is valued at more than US$330 million, with particular dynamism in the fintech sector. El Salvador is consolidating its position as the most competitive innovation hub in Central America and a strategic destination for technology investment.
Pharmaceutical Industry Invests in El Salvador
The Salvadoran pharmaceutical sector has invested nearly US$200 million in the last decade in new plants, modernized laboratories, specialized machinery, and human capital training, according to the president of INQUIFAR. The industry maintains more than 6,000 direct jobs with average salaries exceeding US$900 per month and exports medicines to Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, while opening markets in Mexico, the United States, and Colombia. Growth has been constant and sustained since 2013, when the industry began its transformation to comply with international standards of good manufacturing practices. Despite the increase in international logistics costs, the industry continues to invest with support from private banks and multilateral organizations. This dynamism positions El Salvador as an emerging hub for high-value pharmaceutical manufacturing in the Central American region.
Salvadoran Banks Register Credit Growth with the Largest Increase in Housing in the Last 10 Years
Loans issued by Salvadoran private banks reached US$17.984 billion in the first quarter of 2026, representing a year-on-year increase of 10.3%, equivalent to an additional US$1.678 billion compared to the same period in 2025, according to ABANSA. Business lending, which accounts for 51% of the total portfolio at US$9.143 billion, was led by construction (+31.6%), commerce (+30.2%), and services (+19.6%). Household lending reached US$8.841 billion, a 6.2% increase, driven by housing, which, at US$2.876 billion, registered 7% growth, the largest in the last 10 years in that sector. This credit dynamism reflects the expansion of productive activity and increased access to financing for families and businesses. The robust performance of the banking system is a clear sign of confidence in the Salvadoran economy.
Tourism in El Salvador Takes Off with 35% Growth in Arrivals During the First Four Months of 2026
International tourist arrivals to El Salvador grew by 35% in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period of the previous year, solidifying tourism as one of the most dynamic sectors in the country’s economy. This remarkable increase reflects the positive impact of improved security, growing air connectivity, and the international promotion strategies implemented by the government. Binational tourism between El Salvador and Guatemala also shows a significant upswing, boosting the development of regional circuits and integrated experiences for visitors. The tourism boom is driving investment in hotels, restaurants, infrastructure, and services, generating employment and foreign exchange for the country. This performance positions El Salvador as a competitive and rapidly rising destination on the Central American tourism map.
El Salvador Leads the Transformation of Digital Finance and Drives a New Era for Latin America
El Salvador is positioning itself as a regional leader in digital financial innovation, driving initiatives to modernize the payments ecosystem, access to credit, and financial services in Latin America. The country has made progress in regulatory frameworks that facilitate the adoption of financial technologies (fintech), strengthening financial inclusion and the competitiveness of the system. This strategic approach attracts the interest of technology companies and international investment funds that see El Salvador as a pioneering market with high potential. The combination of local talent, regulatory incentives, and openness to innovation consolidates the country as a digital finance hub in the region. This leadership generates new investment opportunities, skilled employment, and the development of a high-value-added services sector.
Guatemala projects 4.1% growth in 2026, surpassing the regional and advanced economy averages
Guatemala’s economy is projected to grow by 4.1% in 2026, exceeding the average growth rate of advanced economies (1.8%) and the regional average, according to projections from the Bank of Guatemala presented to the Spanish Chamber of Commerce. This growth is supported by the resilience of productive sectors, exchange rate stability, and the dynamism of family remittances, which are projected to reach a new historical record of nearly US$27 billion. Guatemalan exports are expected to rise by 6%, driven by coffee, bananas, sugar, and cardamom, while foreign direct investment continues its upward trend. Inflation is projected to remain under control at 3.75%, below the official target of 4%, contributing to macroeconomic stability. This performance positions Guatemala as a strategic and competitive destination for foreign capital in the region.
Guatemala and the U.S. Mark One Year of Agreements with Concrete Progress in Modernizing Puerto Quetzal
One year after the signing of strategic agreements between Guatemala and the United States, Puerto Quetzal has made significant progress in its modernization process, strengthening the country’s logistics infrastructure. The planned improvements include the optimization of port operations, technological upgrades, and capacity expansion to transform Quetzal into a first-rate logistics hub on the Central American Pacific coast. This project boosts Guatemala’s trade competitiveness, reduces operating times and costs for exporters and importers, and attracts investment in the logistics and foreign trade sectors. The alliance with the U.S. in port infrastructure also strengthens the bilateral relationship and opens new opportunities for financing and private investment. The modernization of Puerto Quetzal is a clear sign of Guatemala’s commitment to developing strategic infrastructure for investment.
Guatecompras Launches English Version and Opens Government Bidding to International Companies
Guatemala’s official government procurement portal, Guatecompras, now has a full English version, enabling foreign investors and suppliers to participate in calls for bids, tenders, and public procurement processes. This initiative responds to Article 105 of Decree 29-2024, known as the Priority Road Infrastructure Law, which mandates the inclusion of English translation in modules related to procurement under this legal framework. However, authorities opted for a comprehensive solution that translated the entire platform, exceeding the minimum legal requirements. This advancement strengthens transparency, broadens the reach of public information, and promotes greater competition in government procurement processes by incorporating international actors. Guatemala is thus aligning itself with international standards for access to information and consolidating its openness to investment and infrastructure development with global participation.
Guatemala Maintains Monetary Stability with a Key Interest Rate at 3.50% as an Anchor Against an Uncertain Global Environment
The Monetary Board of Guatemala unanimously decided to maintain the key monetary policy interest rate at 3.50%, reaffirming the stability of the financial system in an international context marked by geopolitical tensions and rising oil prices stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. Inflation stood at 3.24% in April, within the official target of 4% ± 1 percentage point, with imported pressures expected to moderate by June. Projected economic growth for 2026 remains in the range of 3.1% to 5.1%, confirming the strength of consumption, investment, and domestic productive activity. The Bank of Guatemala (BANGUAT) is closely monitoring the impact of El Niño on agricultural products and the indirect effect of new financial regulations in the U.S. on remittance flows. This decision reinforces confidence in Guatemala’s macroeconomic strength as a safe and stable destination for investment.
Guatemala has the opportunity to build the city of the 21st century by focusing on mobility, density, and sustainable construction
American urban planner Greg Lindsay, a specialist in cities and mobility, pointed out that Guatemala has a window of 30 to 50 years to plan its urban development comprehensively, taking advantage of its young demographic dividend, before traffic paralyzes its cities as has happened in other urban centers around the world. Lindsay proposed investing in mass public transportation, electric buses, cable cars, and bike paths that integrate the periphery with the center, using successful models like Colombia’s TransMilenio as a reference. Construction and buildings generate 37% of global CO₂ emissions, so the expert urged the use of sustainable materials such as recycled steel and low-carbon concrete, connecting with the model of Grupo AG, which certified 72,000 tons of recycled steel in Guatemala. The proposal includes legalizing and connecting existing informal settlements, facilitating access to housing credit, and employing artificial intelligence to optimize urban planning. Guatemala has a unique opportunity to design a functional city for the majority, without repeating the planning mistakes that plague other metropolises in the region.
Guatemala adopts E10 gasoline as public policy, boosting economic, energy, and rural benefits
Starting June 30, 2026, Guatemala will implement the mandatory use of E10 gasoline, a blend of gasoline with 10% ethanol, backed by the successful experience of more than 12 Latin American countries, according to Federico Salcedo, leader of the Ethanol Strategy for Latin America at the U.S. Grains and BioProducts Council. Among the main economic benefits are reduced dependence on imported fossil fuels, price stabilization in the face of international oil volatility, and a boost to local agricultural production and rural employment. The experience of countries like Brazil, the United States, and Argentina, which have used blends exceeding 10% for decades, confirms the compatibility of E10 with the vast majority of vehicles and existing infrastructure. Salcedo emphasized that automakers and distribution equipment manufacturers are already designing their products with markets where ethanol is standard in mind. Guatemala is thus moving towards a more sustainable and diversified energy policy with a positive impact on multiple sectors of the economy.
Honduras Approves Strategic Infrastructure and Tourism Projects to Boost Tela’s Development
Authorities from Tela held a high-level meeting at the Presidential Palace with President Nasry Asfura, the President of the National Congress, Tomás Zambrano, and municipal representatives, reaching key agreements for the municipality’s economic, tourism, and infrastructure development. Among the main achievements were the official reaffirmation of the construction of the cruise ship and yacht pier, the approval for the opening of the municipal airport, and the project to expand the highway to four lanes—fundamental works to boost tourism, investment, and regional connectivity. Additionally, the delivery of heavy machinery to strengthen municipal services nationwide was confirmed. These initiatives reflect the commitment of the central government and Congress to Tela’s progress as a high-impact tourist and investment destination. With these projects, Honduras consolidates its commitment to developing strategic infrastructure that attracts private investment and strengthens the regional economy.
Honduras and the U.S. Strengthen Strategic Alliance with Dialogue on Investment, Security, and Migration
Honduras and the United States have advanced in the strengthening of their bilateral relationship through a high-level dialogue focused on three strategic pillars: investment attraction, security, and migration. The meeting demonstrated the U.S. interest in supporting Honduras’s economic development through cooperation in key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and legal security. The Honduran government reaffirmed its commitment to reforms that improve the business climate and create favorable conditions for national and international private investment. The shared agenda on migration and security also contributes to the country’s stability, a determining factor for attracting capital. This strategic approach opens new opportunities for sustainable economic growth and institutional strengthening in Honduras.
Honduras Achieves Cumulative Economic Growth of 4.0% and Anticipates a Strong End to 2026
Honduras’ economic activity, measured by the Monthly Index of Economic Activity (IMAE), registered a cumulative increase of 4.0% as of March 2026, placing it at the upper limit of the range projected in the 2026-2027 Monetary Program (3.0% – 4.0%), according to the Central Bank of Honduras. This performance is driven by external demand for agro-industrial products, such as coffee, bananas, pineapples, and tilapia, in a context of favorable international prices, and by growth in remittances, the positive trajectory of formal employment, and the dynamism of credit to the private sector. From a year-on-year perspective, economic activity grew by 5.0%, led by Financial Intermediation (+12.6%) and Telecommunications (+11.6%), with an additional boost from the Easter period in sectors such as food, lodging, restaurants, and transportation. The trend-cycle series showed a 3.9% increase, reflecting the country’s productive resilience despite adverse external conditions. This leading indicator confirms the strength of the Honduran economy and projects positive performance for the remainder of the year.
Nicaragua Maintains Solid Economic Dynamism with 6% Expansion in the First Quarter of 2026
Nicaragua’s economic activity expanded by 6.0% in the first quarter of 2026, with a year-on-year growth of 5.3% in March, according to the Central Bank’s Monthly Index of Economic Activity. The sectors leading the growth were mining and quarrying (+25.2%), construction (+21.8%), commerce (+14.1%), and hotels and restaurants (+11.8%), reflecting broad-based dynamism across the economy. The average annual variation was 5.7%, consolidating a sustained growth since the beginning of the year. Financial intermediation and services also showed expansion, with growth rates of 4.7% and 7.3%, respectively. This performance reaffirms Nicaragua’s potential as an investment destination in the extractive, construction, and tourism sectors.
BLP INSIGHT
Costa Rica Extends Deadline for Commercial Companies to Register an Official Email Address
The National Registry extended until September 5, 2026 the deadline for commercial companies to register an official email address. This address will be used to send them legally binding notifications, which means that failing to register an active address can have significant consequences. Learn about the details of this obligation and how to comply in our latest Newsflash.
ECONOMIC INDEX
| Country | Exchange Rate (local currency per USD) | Basic Passive Rate (local currency) | Monetary Policy Rate | S&P | Moody’s | Fitch | Year-on-Year Inflation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | 456.16 | 3.64% | 3.25% | BB | Ba2 | BB | -1.63% |
| El Salvador | 8.75 | 4.58% | N/A | B- | B3 | B- | 2.16% |
| Guatemala | 7.62 | 4.78% | 3.50% | BB+ | Ba1 | BB+ | 3.24% |
| Honduras | 26.66 | 6.48% | 5.75% | BB- | B1 | N/A | 5.56% |
| Nicaragua | 36.62 | 1.10% | 5.75% | B+ | B2 | B | 3.99% |
29/05/2026 | Source: secmca.org
For more information, contact us at
[email protected]