Business Law Perspectives – February 6 to 12, 2026

Costa Rica: Free Trade Zone Regime evolves to strengthen competitiveness and business adaptation
The Free Trade Zone Regime in Costa Rica is consolidating its position not only as a driver of investment and job creation, but also as a flexible model that allows companies to adapt to a changing global environment. Beyond tax incentives, the scheme promotes productive linkages, technology transfer, and talent development, generating a comprehensive economic impact. The regulations include technical mechanisms to adjust investment, employment, or term commitments without affecting the legal certainty or transparency of the regime. This adaptability strengthens the country’s competitiveness vis-à-vis other investment destinations. In a dynamic international context, the regime reaffirms its role as a strategic tool for sustaining long-term growth, stability, and business confidence. Read more.

Costa Rica begins 2026 with economic stability and a favorable environment for SMEs
Costa Rica starts 2026 with a solid economic outlook for SMEs, marked by regulatory stability and continuity in the pro-market model. The country reports growth of close to 5%, inflation under control for more than two years, unemployment around 7%, and poverty reduced to 15.5%, creating an environment of greater predictability for planning and investment. No new tax burdens or structural tax reforms are anticipated, strengthening business confidence. In addition, the boost to foreign investment, fiscal discipline, and stronger trade with the United States reinforce opportunities for companies linked to global value chains. This context opens a favorable stage for SMEs to optimize processes, accelerate digitization, and consolidate sustainable growth. Read more.

Costa Rica starts 2026 with negative inflation and significant relief in key prices
Inflation in Costa Rica began the year in negative territory, with a monthly variation of -0.96% in January and a year-on-year drop of -2.53%, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses. This marked the largest monthly reduction in the Consumer Price Index since 1983, following three consecutive months of increases. Among the products with the sharpest declines were electricity (-13.06%), eggs (-21.36%), airline tickets (-13.10%), and tomatoes (-24.03%), while lemons (20.31%) and onions (15.68%) increased. Of the 289 goods and services measured, 48% recorded price decreases, reflecting a start to the year with contained inflationary pressures. This trend reinforces the country’s macroeconomic stability outlook. Read more.

Costa Rica leads the world as the destination most tourists want to revisit
Costa Rica ranked as the number one country travelers worldwide most want to return to, according to a global analysis by Time Out based on more than 8,000 international reviews. The country led the ranking with 895 positive mentions, surpassing destinations such as Italy and Japan, and supported by data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute indicating that 30% of tourists arriving by air have visited Costa Rica at least six times. Biodiversity, sustainable tourism, and destinations such as Monteverde, Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and the Osa Peninsula drive this loyalty. This recognition consolidates the country’s international reputation and reinforces its position as a global benchmark for authentic and sustainable experiences. Read more.

Modernization of Puerto Caldera advances with technical adjustments underway
The modernization process of Puerto Caldera remains in the technical review stage after the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation (MOPT) requested a 10-business-day extension to evaluate bids, as contemplated in the official schedule. The Evaluation Commission, working alongside the Costa Rican Institute of Pacific Ports (INCOP), requested formal clarifications from bidders. The US$600 million project aims to expand the capacity of the country’s main Pacific port from 600 to 900 vessels per year and from 6 to 11 million tons of cargo annually. The new contract is expected to be signed on August 6, 2026, just days before the current concession expires, ensuring operational continuity and a key transformation for Costa Rica’s logistical competitiveness. Read more.

Moody’s improves El Salvador’s outlook and reinforces confidence in its fiscal course Moody’s Ratings improved El Salvador’s rating outlook from stable to positive, maintaining its B3 rating, as sustained fiscal consolidation, higher liquidity levels, and lower financing needs are expected to gradually strengthen credit indicators. The backing of the agreement with the International Monetary Fund and the estimated growth of 4% in 2025 reinforce expectations of improvement. However, public debt exceeds 90% of GDP and remains the main structural challenge. Moody’s projects that the debt burden could fall to 84.2% in 2028 if fiscal discipline is maintained. This adjustment in the outlook sends a positive signal to the markets about the country’s financial stability. Read more. El Salvador starts 2026 with moderate inflation and price stability El Salvador began 2026 with a slowdown in inflation, registering a year-on-year CPI of 0.65% in January, down from 0.91% in December 2025, according to the Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador. Although the overall index reflects stability within normal parameters for a dollarized economy, pressures persist in key areas such as food (0.89%), restaurants and hotels (3.95%), and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (3.44%). The health sector also remained high at 2.26%, while housing and basic services reached 1.16%. Experts point out that, despite the moderation, the impact is concentrated on frequently consumed goods, which directly affects the purchasing power of households. Read more. El Salvador closes 2025 with record tourism figures and consolidated economic impact El Salvador closed 2025 with a record 4,123,892 international visitors, of which 3,436,713 were tourists who stayed overnight in the country, and 687,179 were day trippers, consolidating an 8% year-on-year growth in the stay segment. The sector generated US$3.635 billion in foreign exchange, with an average daily expenditure of US$156. Approximately 56% of the revenue arrived by land, and 44% by air; both figures are well-above the 2019 levels. The National Library of El Salvador was the most visited site of the year, reflecting the dynamism of the Historic Center. After the sharp decline in 2020, the country experienced a rapid recovery, enabling it to reach historic highs in 2024 and 2025, with 4.2 million visitors projected for 2026, thereby consolidating tourism as a key driver of the Salvadoran economy. Read more. El Salvador promotes an ambitious 15-year plan to transform its Historic Center The Historic Center Authority (APLAN) is developing a 15-year plan for the development and growth of the Historic Center of San Salvador, covering 80 blocks that will be zoned and evaluated for comprehensive and orderly urban development. The project cooperates with Spain to certify the area as a smart destination, incorporating technology to improve quality of life, and partnerships with the Politecnico di Milano and the Italian Cooperation Agency to enhance intangible heritage. Declared of social, cultural, and tourist interest by legislative decree, the historic center continues to attract investment: in January 2026 alone, procedures worth nearly US$9 million were processed, and in 2025, some 40 inaugurations were recorded. The initiative consolidates the heart of the capital as a hub for housing, tourism, and long-term sustainable development. Read more. El Salvador assumes regional leadership to promote trade integration and competitive energy in Central America El Salvador, through the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI), assumed the presidency of the Federation of Chambers and Industrial Associations of Central America and the Dominican Republic (FECAICA), with an agenda focused on strengthening trade integration with the United States and designing a regional energy plan. The administration will prioritize the development of value chains to replace imports and boost regional production, as well as coordinate infrastructure and renewable energy generation within the Regional Electricity Market. In addition, logistics corridors and trade facilitation will be promoted to reduce barriers to the transit of goods. This presidency positions El Salvador as a regional benchmark in industrial competitiveness, productive integration, and strategic energy cooperation. Read more.

In January, Guatemala recorded its lowest inflation rate in the last 12 months Guatemala’s year-on-year inflation stood at 0.96% in January 2026, the lowest level in a year after registering a monthly variation of -0.18%, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics. The slowdown was driven by reductions in key products, such as propane gas, gasoline, and tomatoes, as well as some staple foods. With this result, the indicator remained below the target range of 3% to 5% set by the Monetary Board. Although the price environment was favorable, authorities noted that they continue to monitor external risks, such as oil volatility and international uncertainty, which could have an impact in the coming months. Read more. Part of Guatemala’s exports were omitted from the zero-tariff scheme agreed with the United States Although the agreement signed on January 30 granted preferential access to 70% of shipments, goods worth approximately US$1.53 billion continue to face tariff charges, including US$600 million from the agricultural sector and US$900 million in manufactured goods. Excluded products include food, beverages, fresh fruit, peas, vegetables, and various manufactured goods. The Guatemalan Ministry of Economy (MINECO) announced the formation of a technical team to monitor the process and explore new negotiation strategies, while the export sector awaits a second phase that will expand benefits and strengthen the country’s competitiveness. Read more. Guatemala moves towards modern mobility: Aerómetro will be ready in just 18 months Construction has begun on Guatemala’s Aerómetro, the first mass urban public transport system in Central America using aerial cable cars, with private investment exceeding US$200 million and a 25-year concession. The first line, which will connect Guatemala City with Mixco with four stations (Plaza España, Tecún Umán, Camip, and Trébol 1), will be ready in 18 months. The system will transport up to 374,000 people daily as part of the Comprehensive Urban Mobility Plan, offering an efficient, sustainable, and inclusive service. The municipalities of Guatemala and Mixco will act as regulatory bodies for fares and permits. In addition, the project will not reduce vehicle lanes and will compensate for the removal of 721 trees through an authorized reforestation plan. Read more.

Honduras and the US have made progress on economic agreements to strengthen bilateral trade The governments of Honduras and the United States reached economic agreements following the meeting between Presidents Nasry Asfura and Donald Trump in Mar-a-Lago, aimed at facilitating trade and improving Honduran competitiveness. Finance Minister Emilio Hernández indicated that the agreements will be implemented gradually, with an emphasis on reviewing the tariffs applied by the US, including the general 10% tariff and the 25% tariff on harnesses for the automotive industry. Honduras formed technical commissions to negotiate a possible tariff reduction and expand export opportunities. The talks also included issues of security and regional cooperation, in line with the strategic importance of the United States as the country’s main trading partner. Read more. Historic US$400 million investment to boost industrial park and green energy in Honduras A Hong Kong-based company will invest US$400 million in a comprehensive project in Choloma, Cortés, which includes the construction of a large-scale industrial park, modern infrastructure, and a renewable energy generation system. According to the Minister Advisor for Investment Promotion, the initiative will be implemented in three stages and will generate approximately 7,000 permanent direct jobs, strengthening economic development in the northern region. The company has international experience in Asia and America, which will enable technology transfer and global quality standards. The project reinforces Honduras’ strategy to attract productive foreign investment, boost industry, and promote sustainable growth in strategic sectors. Read more. Honduras streamlines exports with new administrative simplification measures The Central Bank of Honduras (BCH), in coordination with the Customs Authority, announced new provisions to simplify and speed up procedures for the export sector. Among the changes, a single Export Declaration may support several DUCA with partial balance available, and will remain valid despite changes in logistical data such as customs, destination, or shipment date. In addition, the requirement to submit a Certificate of Non-Use to cancel declarations has been eliminated and replaced with form OC-7. These measures seek to reduce processing times, facilitate weekend operations, and strengthen the competitiveness of Honduran foreign trade, especially during periods of high demand. Read more. Honduras keeps inflation under control and within the official target in January 2026 Honduras’ year-on-year inflation stood at 4.23% in January 2026, remaining within the target range of 4% ± 1 percentage point set by the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH). The increase was mainly driven by food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.27 percentage points), followed by restaurants and accommodation, housing, and home maintenance. In monthly terms, the CPI showed a moderate variation of 0.11%, favored by the reduction in agricultural products and fuels. While tradable goods registered a monthly decline of -0.31%, non-tradable goods increased by 0.25%, reflecting pressures on domestic services. The data confirms an environment of price stability, despite specific increases in frequently consumed items. Read more.

Nicaragua strengthens its agricultural sector with strategic institutional integration The Nicaraguan National Assembly approved the Law on the Absorption of the Nicaraguan Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) by the Ministry of Agriculture (MAG), as part of an institutional modernization process aimed at strengthening food sovereignty and security. The initiative transfers all of INTA’s functions, assets, personnel, and budget to MAG, ensuring continuity of work and administration. The reform also updates Law 290 to expand MAG’s powers in policy, technological assistance, and environmental coordination. With this integration, the government seeks to optimize agricultural programs, improve institutional efficiency, and boost national production for the benefit of Nicaraguan families. Read more. Nicaragua completes key section of Cuapa–La Libertad Highway The Nicaraguan government announced the completion of the final 16-kilometer section of the Cuapa–La Libertad Highway, thus completing a 49-kilometer road that will benefit some 120,000 people in Chontales and surrounding municipalities. The project, reported by Co-President Rosario Murillo, promotes connectivity, local trade, and access to basic services in the region. The work is part of a set of initiatives that include rural roads, electrification, drinking water, property titling, and productive programs. This infrastructure strengthens territorial integration and boosts economic activity in the center of the country. Read more.