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 Reaffirms Its Global Leadership in Attracting Foreign Investment Per Capita
Costa Rica ranks among the world’s top ten countries by the number of foreign direct investment projects per million inhabitants, placing eighth in the 2026 Greenfield FDI Performance Index, compiled by fDi Intelligence, a specialized unit of the Financial Times. According to the results, based on projects announced in 2025, the country attracted 18.1 FDI projects per million inhabitants, outperforming economies such as Cyprus and Hong Kong. PROCOMER’s general manager, Laura López, emphasized that these results reflect companies’ confidence in the country’s human talent, legal certainty, innovation, and sustainability. In the index’s main metric, Costa Rica ranked fourth globally with a score of 6.5, improving its performance from the previous edition and solidifying its position as the only country in Latin America and the Caribbean among the top 20 in the overall ranking, while also leading the OECD member countries included in the assessment. This international recognition reaffirms Costa Rica’s ability to attract high-value investment, generating quality jobs and new development opportunities both within and outside the Greater Metropolitan Area.
Costa Rica Establishes Itself as a Regional Leader in Fintech Innovation
Costa Rica stands out regionally in the development of the fintech sector, according to a recent analysis by the Inter-American Development Bank presented during the San José 2026 Fintech Summit. Diego Herrera, the IDB’s financial markets lead, noted that the country is beginning to make a significant mark in this sector, experiencing rapid growth in secondary markets in a region where the number of fintech companies rose from 703 in 2017 to 3,069 in 2023. In Costa Rica, payment services, remittances, and technologies for financial institutions account for 50% of the sector’s market share. The IDB official particularly highlighted the National Electronic Payments System (Sinpe), managed by the Central Bank of Costa Rica, describing it as “an example of how to do things right” and positioning the country as a leading jurisdiction for innovation. Notable among the advances mentioned are the fintech framework bill currently before the legislature and the strengthening of the sector’s oversight and regulation. This recognition solidifies Costa Rica’s position as an attractive destination for investment in financial technology and digital innovation in the region.
Costa Rica Reports a Record Foreign Exchange Surplus, Reflecting Its Economic Strength
In 2026, Costa Rica’s foreign exchange market recorded its largest-ever over-the-counter foreign currency surplus, reaching US$4,827 million as of August 13, US$450 million more than the surplus recorded during the same period in 2025. The Central Bank attributed this surplus primarily to net foreign exchange sales by companies in free trade zones, reflecting the strength of the country’s export sector. This abundance of dollars has contributed to an appreciation of the colón, which closed at ¢449.01, hitting historic lows on the Monex exchange and representing a year-over-year change of 10.9%. The Central Bank highlighted that this increased availability of foreign currency is due to factors such as foreign direct investment, tourism, and the diversification of Costa Rica’s export structure. The country’s international monetary reserves reached US$20,842 million as of August 13, an increase of US$3,761 million since the beginning of the year, equivalent to 18.1% of GDP. This trend confirms the strength of the export sector and investors’ growing confidence in the Costa Rican economy.
Costa Rica Maintains a Strong Pace of Tourism Growth in 2026
Costa Rica welcomed 1,853,430 tourists arriving by air during the first seven months of 2026, a 7% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. This performance was driven by 7% growth from North America and 10% growth from Europe, while South America maintained a positive trend with a 5% increase. Among the most dynamic markets were Canada (25.1%), the Netherlands (16.5%), Spain (13.9%), and Germany (9.7%). In July alone, the country welcomed 240,070 tourists, 2.3% more than in the same month of 2025. ICT Executive President Marcos Borges emphasized that these results motivate continued efforts to strengthen tourism promotion and attract new air routes as the second half of the year comes to a close. This momentum confirms tourism as one of Costa Rica’s main economic drivers and reinforces investment opportunities in air connectivity and hotel development.
Costa Rica and the United States Reaffirm Their Strong Trade and Investment Relationship
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Costa Rican President Laura Fernández to reaffirm the strong partnership between the two countries, according to the State Department. During the conversation, both officials discussed opportunities to continue strengthening the bilateral trade and investment relationship between the two nations. This engagement is part of a series of diplomatic meetings aimed at deepening economic cooperation between Costa Rica and the United States, one of the Central American country’s main trading partners. The dialogue between the two leaders reaffirms their commitment to maintaining a strong bilateral relationship, with opportunities for both countries to expand trade and investment in the coming years.
El Salvador Becomes a Regional Testing Ground for Digital Asset Financing
The Digital Asset Issuance Law (LEAD) has enabled the development of new financing alternatives for Salvadoran companies through the tokenization of debt and real assets, according to a report by Bitfinex Securities. This scheme reduces the costs associated with an issuance to between 2% and 4%, compared to 7% in traditional markets, with approval processes that can be completed in about 20 business days. Among the companies that have already used this mechanism is Cadejo Brewing Company, which launched a $2 million tokenized debt offering to finance its expansion, allowing investors to participate with as little as $100. The banking sector has also joined this trend: Banco Industrial El Salvador offered a debt token worth more than $1.03 million, while in the agricultural sector, the company e-Grains received authorization for a $100 million issuance of soybean-backed securities. These transactions are overseen by the National Commission on Digital Assets, which has already authorized 54 digital service providers, thereby consolidating a regulated ecosystem that expands financing and investment opportunities for companies across various sectors in El Salvador.
Construction Boom Drives Record-High Cement Imports in El Salvador
Cement imports in El Salvador reached their highest level in three decades at the end of the first half of 2026, totaling $36.15 million, according to the Central Reserve Bank. This figure represents a 39% increase compared to the same period in 2025, reflecting the sustained boom in the country’s construction industry. The volume imported reached 389.33 million kilograms, a 34.6% increase from the previous year, the highest level recorded for a first half of the year since 1994. China solidified its position as the leading supplier, with more than $9.33 million and a 25.8% market share, followed by Vietnam, Honduras, and Guatemala. This trend is driven by the dynamism of the construction sector and major projects under development, such as the new stadium funded through Chinese cooperation. This record level of cement imports confirms the solid growth of the Salvadoran construction industry and its ability to attract a diverse range of international suppliers.
El Salvador Sees a Significant Slowdown in Prices in July
Inflation in El Salvador slowed in July, standing at 2.49%, a decrease of 0.27 percentage points from the 2.76 percent recorded in June, according to the Central Reserve Bank. This moderation was driven primarily by lower price pressures for food and non-alcoholic beverages, which fell from 3.02% to 2.49%, their lowest level since February 2026. The transportation sector, which recorded increases during the first half of the year due to the conflict in the Middle East, also slowed down, falling from 5.78% to 4.95% between June and July. Other sectors, such as alcoholic beverages, clothing, and lodging, also showed a downward trend in prices. This moderation in inflation strengthens the purchasing power of Salvadoran consumers and contributes to a more stable price environment, which is favorable for the economic planning of households and businesses.
El Salvador Expands Its Trade Horizons with a New Agreement with Belize
The Government of El Salvador signed a partial agreement with Belize that facilitates preferential access for Salvadoran products to the Belizean market through more than 400 tariff lines. The Secretary of Commerce and Investment, Miguel Kattan, emphasized that this agreement marks the start of a new phase of collaboration between the government and the private sector. Economy Minister María Luisa Hayem noted that the agreement aims to create greater opportunities for the growth of El Salvador’s business sector and connect local companies with new markets. This agreement comes at a favorable time for El Salvador’s foreign trade, which exported more than US$3.4 billion in goods during the first half of 2026—a 4% increase in value and a 10% increase in volume compared to the previous year. Hayem also highlighted that El Salvador ranks as the second best-performing country in Latin America for attracting investment, a trend complemented by the opening of new markets such as Belize, thereby strengthening commercial opportunities for Salvadoran companies.
El Salvador Strengthens Institutional Ties with China in Pursuit of a Future Trade Agreement
The president of El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly, Ernesto Castro, is visiting China through August 22 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Zhao Leji, as part of an agenda to strengthen bilateral legislative cooperation. Before his trip, Castro met with the Chinese ambassador in San Salvador, Zhang Yanhui, to discuss issues of cooperation between the two parliaments. El Salvador and China are currently negotiating a free trade agreement; the first round of negotiations took place in Beijing in 2024, as part of a diplomatic relationship established in 2018. This visit comes amid growing interest from several Latin American countries in deepening their commercial and institutional ties with China. The strengthening of this bilateral relationship opens the door to new opportunities for legislative and commercial cooperation between El Salvador and China in the coming years.
Guatemala Is Making Steady Progress in Implementing Its New Anti-Money Laundering Law
The Bank of Guatemala, the Ministry of Finance, the Superintendency of Banks, and the private sector are working in coordination to ensure that the country is well prepared for the Latin American Financial Action Task Force (GAFILAT) evaluation in January 2027. The regulations for the new Law Against Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing are 85% complete, according to the Superintendency of Banks, which also hosted a GAFILAT mission in June to train lawyers, accountants, and auditors. Finance Minister Jonathan Menkos confirmed that the regulations are being developed in coordination with the SIB and with technical support from the International Monetary Fund, to ensure efficient implementation. The president of the Bank of Guatemala, Álvaro González, emphasized that the strength of Guatemala’s financial system, one of the most profitable in the region, depends largely on having authorities with appropriate technical training, stressing that “when there is certainty and confidence, there is investment.” This regulatory advancement strengthens Guatemala’s position as a solid and reliable financial system, consolidating the conditions necessary to attract investment and maintain the confidence of international markets.
Guatemala Advances Toward a New Energy Era with the Implementation of Ethanol
Guatemala will begin implementing the E10 gasoline blend on August 22. The blend combines 90% gasoline with 10% ethanol and will initially be available at stations selling regular gasoline, which is used by around three million drivers. The measure is being implemented in accordance with Ministerial Agreement 333-2026 and could result in savings of up to US$0.46 per gallon in the price of regular gasoline, according to estimates from the biofuels sector. The executive director of the Association of Alcohol Producers in Guatemala noted that replacing chemical additives with a natural biofuel could help improve air quality and generate health benefits. E10 is widely used internationally, with adoption in more than 60 countries and across 500 million vehicles, while local tests conducted by the Universidad del Valle de Guatemala confirmed satisfactory performance without complications. This energy transition opens new investment opportunities in biofuels and strengthens the country’s energy independence.
Guatemala Diversifies Its Tourism Markets with New, Up-and-Coming Destinations
Guatemala welcomed 1,915,874 tourists between January and July 2026, a 1.2% increase compared to the same period in 2025, driven by a market diversification strategy, according to the Guatemalan Tourism Institute. In July, the country recorded 288,700 visitor arrivals, a 2% increase, with the Salvadoran market showing a notable recovery, as 71,075 Salvadoran visitors arrived during the Fiestas Agostinas, generating an estimated US$21.6 million in economic activity. Among the markets showing the strongest year-over-year growth were Australia, with a 50% increase, Mexico, Panama, Nicaragua, Colombia, and the Netherlands, all with increases exceeding 20%. These figures are part of the government plan launched in 2024 to position Guatemala as a sustainable destination, aimed at attracting travelers with higher spending power and increasing the length of their stays in the country. Guatemala projects to close 2026 with 3.6 million visitors, consolidating its path toward the goal of 4 million by 2027 and reinforcing investment opportunities in tourism and the hospitality industry.
Guatemala and Mexico Advance a Binational Agenda for Connectivity and Infrastructure
Mexico and Guatemala agreed on a 2027 Binational Plan that includes progress in border infrastructure, connectivity, and economic development between the two countries. The foreign ministers of both nations agreed to advance the joint cargo dispatch program between Ciudad Hidalgo and Tecún Umán, two border areas separated by the Suchiate River, as well as measures to facilitate and enhance the security of bilateral trade. Both countries will also continue to define the route to establish a rail interconnection through Line K of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, seeking to bring regional economies and communities closer together. The agenda also includes the promotion of hydroelectric projects on the Usumacinta River through the relevant institutions of both countries, as well as six technical, scientific, and energy cooperation projects agreed upon by the Joint Commission. This binational roadmap strengthens cross-border connectivity and opens new investment opportunities in infrastructure, energy, and trade between Guatemala and Mexico.
Honduras Registers Its Highest Level of Economic Confidence in Four Years
Honduras’ Economic Activity Confidence Index reached 59.3 points in July 2026, its highest level for that month in the last four years, according to the Central Bank of Honduras’ Macroeconomic Analysts’ Expectations Survey. With this result, the indicator remained in expansion territory for the seventh consecutive month, supported by a strengthened international reserve, an increase in remittances, and positive export performance. Analysts also highlighted greater flexibility in the foreign exchange market and a lower country risk, conditions that could favor new investments. Expectations point to GDP growth of 3.5% in 2026 and 3.7% in 2027, supported by consumption, private credit, and foreign trade. This level of economic confidence confirms a favorable trajectory for Honduras, strengthening the conditions for investment and consolidating the country’s sustained economic growth.
Honduran Coffee Reaches Historic Figures with Record Harvest
Honduran coffee farming will close the 2025/26 harvest at historic levels, having reached 7.18 million quintals exported less than 45 days before the official end of the season, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. This volume already surpasses the 6.14 million quintals registered in the previous cycle, and authorities project the season will close with up to 7.25 million quintals exported by September 30. The Undersecretary of Coffee Farming, José Francisco Ordóñez, highlighted that this harvest is generating an economic impact of US$2.25 billion, supporting more than 2,300 coffee-producing villages. In parallel, the Government reported significant progress in the coffee incentive program, with 93% of the beneficiary producers having already received fertilizer, with a goal of reaching 87,000 producers. The Secretariat also signed an agreement for 100 million lempiras to strengthen the Honduran Coffee Institute, expanding technical assistance and research that will sustain the sector’s productivity in the medium and long term.
Honduran Maquila Industry Projects a Solid Year with Exports of US$5.5 Billion
The Honduran maquiladora industry projects closing 2026 with approximately US$5.5 billion in exports, according to the sector’s representative, Guillermo Matamoros. The industry representative stressed that the maquila remains one of the pillars of the national economy, representing 45% to 50% of the country’s gross exports. Matamoros highlighted the importance of strengthening this industry, especially in the northwestern part of the country, through joint work between private enterprise and the Government to improve the investment climate and guarantee greater legal certainty. The sector’s representative also highlighted the industry’s commitment to diversifying its product offering and its international competitiveness. This performance confirms the maquila industry’s role as one of the main engines of employment and foreign exchange for the Honduran economy.
Honduras Explores Electric Mobility as a Strategic Alternative for the Future
The former president of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration, Dante Mossi, highlighted the need for Honduras to move toward electric mobility for both passenger and freight transport, as a strategy to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The economist stressed that this type of solution can strengthen transport energy efficiency and the country’s productive activity in the medium and long term. This proposal is part of a regional trend toward diversifying and modernizing energy sources and transport systems for the transfer of people and the distribution of goods. Moving towards electromobility would present an opportunity to invest in electric charging infrastructure, more efficient transport fleets, and clean technologies, strengthening Honduras’ logistics competitiveness and its ability to adapt to future energy challenges.
Nicaragua Makes Progress in Modernizing Its Public Transportation System
In the coming weeks, the Nicaraguan government will deliver 60 new buses from China to local transit operators as part of a purchase agreement for 2,200 units aimed at modernizing the urban public transit fleet. The acquisition is the result of an agreement signed in Managua between the Nicaraguan government and the Chinese company Yutong, a global leader in the manufacture of transit vehicles. This renewal is part of a gradual vehicle delivery process that will continue with upcoming shipments from China. The initiative aims to improve the quality of public transportation services for Nicaraguan users by modernizing a fleet in need of updating. This type of cooperation with international suppliers strengthens the country’s urban mobility infrastructure and reflects the interest of Chinese companies in the Central American transportation market.
The Northern Triangle Is Experiencing a Significant Economic Boost from Growth in Remittances
Family remittances received by El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras totaled US$24,554.6 million during the first half of 2026, a 7.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025, according to data from the International Organization for Migration. Guatemala remained the region’s largest recipient, with US$12,978.5 million, equivalent to 52.9% of the total, followed by Honduras with US$6,515.5 million and El Salvador with US$5,060.6 million. Honduras recorded the highest year-over-year growth, at 12.3%, followed by Guatemala at 7% and El Salvador at 4.5%. The United States remains the primary source of these funds, thanks to the large Central American community residing there. This steady flow of remittances continues to be a key driver of domestic consumption and economic stability in the three countries, reinforcing their appeal as economies with solid consumer bases and significant foreign exchange reserves.
BLP Insight
Costa Rica Prepares for the Entry into Force of ILO Convention No. 190
International Labor Organization (ILO) Convention No. 190 on violence and harassment in the world of work will enter into force in Costa Rica on October 2, 2026, introducing a broader and more preventive approach to managing these risks. The regulation extends protection beyond workers to include remote work, electronic communications, travel, and professional activities, among others. For companies, the new framework entails strengthening prevention efforts, including identifying and managing psychosocial risks, reviewing reporting and investigation procedures, training employees and leaders, and adopting measures to address situations of violence or harassment originating from third parties. Before the regulations take effect, companies should review their prevention policies and mechanisms and document the measures taken, as demonstrating compliance with these measures will become increasingly important from a compliance and legal risk management perspective.
Costa Rica Prepares Bid for the Expansion and Improvement of the San José-San Ramón Road Corridor
The Costa Rican government announced it will publish the bid notice in August for the construction and improvement of the San José-San Ramón Road corridor, one of the country’s largest road infrastructure projects. The initiative covers approximately 60 km and is backed by US$770 million in international financing from the BCIE and the OPEC Fund for International Development. The project includes road expansion, rehabilitation, and improvement works, as well as interchanges, bridges, pedestrian crossings, wildlife crossings, bus bays, toll stations, and ITS systems. BCIE’s procurement policies govern the bidding process; therefore, the publication of the request for proposals will be crucial for understanding the eligibility requirements, technical expertise, financial capacity, guarantees, rules for consortia, and other conditions applicable to potential bidders.
BLP Earns New Recognitions in Chambers Latin America 2027
This year, the Chambers Latin America 2027 legal directory once again recognizes BLP’s trajectory and consistent work across the region, with 23 ranked practice areas in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Among this year’s results are Corporate/Commercial, which moves up to Band 1 in El Salvador and Honduras, Intellectual Property, which rises to Band 2 in Nicaragua, and BLP’s recognition in Insurance in Costa Rica, a new category in the directory. These results reflect the strength and depth of our practice across the region and, above all, the trust our clients place in us and the commitment of the entire team that makes this work possible.
Economic Index
| Country | Exchange Rate (Local Currency per USD) | Basic Passive Rate (Local Currency) | Monetary Policy Rate | Sovereign Debt | Year-on-Year Inflation | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S&P | Moody’s | Fitch | |||||
| Costa Rica | 453.33 | 3.63% | 3.00% | BB | Ba2 | BB | -0.27% |
| El Salvador | 8.75 | 4.65% | N/A | B- | B3 | B- | 2.49% |
| Guatemala | 7.62 | 4.65% | 3.50% | BB+ | Ba1 | BB+ | 2.70% |
| Honduras | 26.83 | 7.23% | 5.75% | BB- | B1 | N/A | 5.58% |
| Nicaragua | 36.62 | 1.31% | 5.75% | B+ | B2 | B | 4.00% |
20/08/2026 | Source: secmca.org
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