Business Law Perspectives – April 24–29, 2026

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 is nearing a key agreement that will open access to major global markets

Costa Rica is on the verge of joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade bloc representing 15% of global GDP, and connecting with more than 600 million consumers. This advancement would expand export opportunities to strategic markets such as Japan, Australia, and Vietnam, and strengthen relationships with existing partners.

The agreement also modernizes trade standards and promotes a more competitive and inclusive environment. Its incorporation would position the country at a higher level within international trade. Overall, this is a strategic step to boost economic growth and attract investment. Read more

Costa Rica Advances Reforms to Strengthen Trade Competitiveness with the United States

Costa Rica is working to modernize its Liquor Law to address U.S. trade concerns and improve competitive conditions between domestic and imported products. The adjustment seeks to balance taxes and procedures in response to concerns about differences in tax and customs treatment.

In addition, the country has been correcting other regulatory aspects, such as sanitary permits and agricultural trade. These actions are part of a broader effort to strengthen the bilateral trade relationship and maintain access to key markets. Taken together, the reforms aim to improve the investment climate and the country’s international competitiveness. Read more

Costa Rica: Exports Grow Strong and Consolidate Global Diversification

Costa Rica’s goods exports grew by 8% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching US$5.556 billion, driven by the dynamism of the agricultural sector and the medical device industry. Products such as pineapple, coffee, and watermelon led agricultural growth, while electrical products and sectors made significant advances.

North America remains the main export destination, followed by Europe and Central America, although Asia registered the largest growth at 53%. These results reflect a solid, diversified, and adaptable export economy. The country continues to expand markets and strengthen its position in international trade. Read more

Costa Rica is boosting its economy using data and artificial intelligence.

The Costa Rican economy is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to the use of data and artificial intelligence tools, which enable faster and more accurate decision-making. Experts highlight that advanced analytics optimizes business processes, improves consumer understanding, and strengthens public policy formulation.

This shift has reduced analysis times and opened new opportunities for efficiency and innovation. However, the importance of combining technology with human judgment to avoid errors is emphasized. In this context, the training of professionals specializing in data analysis is also being promoted to meet new market demands. Read more

Costa Rica is preparing for resilient growth in a challenging global environment.

Costa Rica will begin the new administration in a complex international economic context, marked by rising oil prices, changes in US policy, and the appreciation of the colón. Despite these challenges, positive growth is projected, driven primarily by dynamic sectors such as advanced manufacturing in free trade zones.

However, challenges persist, including weak domestic demand and the impact of a falling dollar exchange rate on key sectors of tourism and agriculture. The country maintains solid macroeconomic foundations, including fiscal stability and a robust financial system. The challenge will be to strengthen competitiveness and ensure that growth benefits more sectors of the economy. Read more

El Salvador Boosts Connectivity with Multimillion-Dollar Investment in Road Infrastructure

The Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) approved US$155 million in financing to strengthen road infrastructure and urban mobility in El Salvador, benefiting more than 1.17 million people. The program includes expanding existing highways, constructing new roads, and more than 30 km of bike paths, improving connectivity in key areas such as San Salvador and Ahuachapán.

It is also expected to reduce travel times by up to 45.6%, optimizing transportation efficiency. The initiative also incorporates technology for traffic management and improved road safety. This project strengthens the country’s competitiveness and promotes more modern and sustainable urban development. Read more

El Salvador Maintains Trade Dynamism Despite Increased External Deficit

El Salvador’s trade deficit grew by 7.9% in the first quarter of 2026, reaching US$2.7698 billion, driven by increases in both exports and imports. Exports rose by 6.3%, while imports grew by 3.6%, reflecting an active economy with strong trade.

Products such as textiles and transportation equipment led exports, while fuels and medicines topped imports. The United States remains the country’s main trading partner, followed by China as a significant supplier. This performance indicates an expanding economy, albeit one highly dependent on strategic imports. Read more

Remittances Boost El Salvador’s Economy with Solid Growth in 2026

Family remittances to El Salvador grew by 7.3% in the first quarter of 2026 to US$2.43559 billion, reflecting the confidence and continued support of the diaspora. These inflows, primarily from the United States, remain the country’s main source of foreign exchange, representing 24% of GDP.

March alone saw the highest flow, exceeding US$910 million, demonstrating an upward trend. This dynamism strengthens domestic consumption and economic stability. Overall, remittances continue to solidify their position as a key pillar for the development and well-being of thousands of Salvadoran households. Read more

Salvadoran Exports Experience Strong Growth, Driven by Coffee and New Markets

Salvadoran exports reached US$1.6634 billion in the first quarter of 2026, representing a 3.6% increase in growth and a 5.4% increase in volume, reflecting a real expansion of productive activity. Coffee was the main driver, with a 61% increase thanks to better international prices and higher demand.

Furthermore, greater dynamism in markets outside of Central America stands out, demonstrating progress in trade diversification. This performance boosts foreign exchange earnings and employment in key sectors. Overall, the country demonstrates resilience and opportunities to strengthen its export competitiveness. Read more

El Salvador leads regional dynamism with strong growth in construction.

El Salvador positioned itself as the country with the highest construction growth in Central America in January 2026, reaching an expansion of 21.8%, the highest in the region. This performance consolidates its position as a key driver of economic activity, boosting related industries such as cement, iron, and services.

At the regional level, the economy also grew at an average of 4.3%. Furthermore, projections for the sector in El Salvador are optimistic, with investments that could reach up to US$4 billion this year. This momentum reinforces construction as a strategic pillar for economic development. Read more

Guatemala Boosts Its Energy Future with Historic Investment in Renewable Energy

Guatemala awarded 1,258 megawatts of energy in the largest electricity tender in its history, securing more than 90% of its future demand with contracts that will begin in 2030. This process includes 57 projects, 73% of which come from renewable sources, reflecting a clear commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable energy mix.

The initiative also incorporates innovative technologies such as battery storage, improving the stability of the electrical system. Furthermore, almost half of the projects will be new plants, driving the sector’s modernization. This progress strengthens the country’s energy security and supports its long-term economic growth. Read more

Guatemala bets on the FTA with South Korea to boost investment and strategic trade

Guatemala seeks to finalize its accession to the Free Trade Agreement with South Korea, a key opportunity to regain competitiveness, attract investment, and strengthen strategic sectors. Joining the agreement would reverse the decline in exports caused by tariff disadvantages compared to neighboring countries and open new doors to technology transfer and foreign capital.

Furthermore, the agreement would boost industries such as petrochemicals, textiles, and the circular economy, with successful examples already underway. It is estimated that bilateral trade could double, consolidating Guatemala as a trade bridge to Asia. Read more

Guatemala: Moody’s reaffirms the country’s economic stability and highlights its solid macroeconomic performance

Moody’s has maintained Guatemala’s rating at Ba1 with a stable outlook, highlighting the strength of its economy and its sustained growth of nearly 4.1%, one of the highest in the region. The agency underscored as strengths low public debt, below 30% of GDP, prudent fiscal policies, and strong external liquidity driven by reserves and remittances.

Although the country is still one step away from investment grade, the analysis confirms a stable and resilient macroeconomic foundation. Among the challenges mentioned are informality, the need for greater investment in infrastructure, and improvements in governance, all key to continued progress. Read more

Guatemala’s solid economic growth of 4% stands out in 2026, according to ECLAC

Guatemala projects 4% growth in 2026, positioning itself among the most dynamic economies in Central America, according to ECLAC. This performance surpasses the regional average for Latin America, estimated at 2.2%, in a challenging international context marked by geopolitical tensions, inflation, and a slowdown in global trade.

At the regional level, Guatemala ranks among the best-performing countries, second only to Nicaragua. The report highlights that, despite the complex external environment, the Guatemalan economy maintains solid and stable growth, reflecting its resilience and adaptability. Read more

Honduras Strengthens Alliance with Japan to Boost Investment and Strategic Development

Honduras is advancing to strengthen its relations with Japan, opening new opportunities for cooperation and investment in key sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, and technology. The meeting between authorities from both countries, within the framework of more than 90 years of diplomatic relations, seeks to attract Japanese capital to productive and manufacturing projects that generate employment.

Furthermore, the interest in promoting joint initiatives to accelerate the country’s economic development was highlighted. This strategic alliance reinforces Honduras’s position as an attractive destination for international investment. Read more

Honduras bets on international tourism through a strategy competing in the Caribbean

Honduras has launched an ambitious tourism strategy to position itself as a competitive destination against places like Cancún and Punta Cana, highlighting its natural and cultural wealth and relatively unexplored destinations. The plan includes strengthening air connectivity, attracting new airlines, and promoting authentic experiences such as beaches, nature reserves, and archaeological sites.

In addition, regional initiatives aim to reduce flight costs to attract more visitors. The first results are already positive, with a 26% increase in tourists during Holy Week. This strategy promotes tourism as a key driver for boosting the country’s economy. Read more

Honduras projects sustained growth of up to 4% with controlled inflation in the coming years

Honduras anticipates economic growth of between 3.0% and 4.0% for 2026 and 2027, driven by domestic consumption, private investment, and public spending, according to the Central Bank. Inflation is expected to remain under control, not exceeding 5%, reflecting macroeconomic stability despite a challenging global environment.

Although external pressures are anticipated due to rising fuel prices and a slight decline in exports in 2026, a recovery is expected in 2027, particularly for products such as coffee, bananas, and sugar. These projections solidify a positive outlook for the Honduran economy in the medium term. Read more

Honduras Improves Logistics Competitiveness with Greater Flexibility for Exporters

Honduras has extended the entry window for export containers at its ports to five days, a measure aimed at optimizing logistics and strengthening the country’s competitiveness. This initiative will enable exporters to plan operations better, reduce transit times, and improve supply chain efficiency.

The adjustment is the result of coordination between the private sector and port operators, consolidating Honduras as a strategic logistics hub in the region. Furthermore, this increased flexibility is expected to boost foreign trade and generate greater economic dynamism. Read more

Mining Drives Strong Economic Growth in Nicaragua in 2026

Mining activity in Nicaragua registered a remarkable 32.8% growth in February 2026, solidifying its position as a main driver of the economy. This dynamism, fueled by increased gold and silver extraction, contributed to an overall 6.3% economic growth over the last year, maintaining a sustained upward trend.

Other sectors, such as construction and commerce, also showed significant progress, reflecting a dynamic economic environment. Although some areas, such as agriculture, experienced declines, the overall balance remains positive. Taken together, these results demonstrate an expanding economy with key sectors leading the growth. Read more

Northern Triangle promotes regional integration with agreements that facilitate trade and mobility

El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras signed eight key agreements to strengthen their economic integration and streamline regional trade. The measures include customs modernization, regulatory updates, and the implementation of faster immigration processes at border crossings such as El Amatillo.

Furthermore, progress was made in harmonizing health and trade regulations to facilitate the exchange of goods. These efforts aim to consolidate a more integrated and efficient customs territory. Together, the agreements represent an important step toward a more competitive, connected, and dynamic region. Read more

BLP Insights

Costa Rica | Labor Reform on Breastfeeding Now in Force: New Obligations for Employers

The recent reform to the Labor Code has been in effect since April 24, 2026. It introduces significant changes to the breastfeeding regime, with immediate mandatory application. Key updates include the recognition of the right to express breast milk and paid breaks during the workday.

It also strengthens employer obligations regarding adequate facilities and flexible implementation. Companies must promptly adjust their internal policies and practices to ensure compliance. Click for more information

Guatemala: Constitutional Court Confirms Obligation to Report Beneficial Ownership before the General Registry of State Procurement (RGAE)

The Constitutional Court of Guatemala rejected the unconstitutionality claim filed against certain regulatory provisions. As a result, the obligation to identify the ultimate beneficial owner remains in force for entities registered in the RGAE.

The prior provisional suspension has been lifted, reinstating the requirement to disclose ownership and control structures. Authorities may continue to request detailed information on shareholders and ultimate controlling individuals. This decision reinforces corporate transparency and requires companies to maintain updated information to participate in public procurement. Click for more information

Economic Index

30/4/2026 | Source: https://www.secmca.org/

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