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
Costa Rica drives its future forward with Tibi: an $800 million electric train will connect Cartago, San José, and Alajuela.
The Costa Rican government officially presented “Tibi,” the new electric train project that will run 51 km between Paraíso (Cartago), San José, and Alajuela, with 30 stations and 28 new electric units. The project, valued at $800 million, will be financed by the BCIE and the European Investment Bank, and includes a donation from the Green Climate Fund. Trains are expected to run every 10 minutes and carry more than 100,000 passengers daily. Tibi aims to be a model of sustainable mobility, with projections of a 6.5-million-ton reduction in CO2 emissions and job creation. Click for more information
Costa Rica’s exports grow by 16% and exceed $15 billion, driven by the medical and agricultural sectors.
Costa Rica exported $15.036 billion in goods between January and August 2025, a 16% increase compared to the same period in 2024. The precision and medical equipment sector led the way with a 33% increase, accounting for 48% of exports. Green coffee (+43%) and frozen fruits (+35%) also stood out. North America (+21%) remains the main destination, followed by Europe (+17%) and Asia (+26%). Authorities highlight the strength and diversification of the Costa Rican export model in a challenging global context. Click for more information
Puerto Cortés leads port efficiency in the CA-4 and reaffirms its competitiveness according to the World Bank.
Puerto Cortés was recognized as the most efficient port in the CA-4 and Belize, according to the World Bank and S&P Global Container Port Performance Index. It ranked as the second-best in Central America, surpassed only by Puerto Moín-Limón in Costa Rica. Its resilience during global crises highlights its operational strength. Click for more information
Costa Rica moves forward with strength: new World Bank loan promotes sustainability and employment.
Costa Rica and the World Bank signed a $300 million loan to strengthen fiscal management and promote sustainable employment. Click for more information
El Salvador
Salvadoran economy accelerates: construction sector sets record growth.
El Salvador’s economy grew by 4.1% in Q2 2025, driven by construction (+25.7%). Click for more information
El Salvador prioritizes infrastructure and digital transformation in its 2026 budget.
The budget includes major projects such as the Pacific Airport and digital education initiatives. Click for more information
Finance Ministry increases revenue collection.
Tax revenue rose by 8.3% through August 2025. Click for more information
Imports from China reach historic levels.
Imports grew 49.1%, reinforcing trade ties. Click for more information
Guatemala
Guatemala launches Aerómetro transport project.
A new electric transport system will connect Mixco and Guatemala City. Click for more information
Government advances digital transformation with EU support.
The initiative will modernize public services and improve accessibility. Click for more information
New direct route to Montreal boosts tourism and trade.
The new route strengthens connectivity with Canada. Click for more information
Honduras
Honduras strengthens investment alliances.
The country continues positioning itself as a regional investment hub. Click for more information
Honduras adapts to EU coffee regulations.
Efforts focus on sustainability and traceability. Click for more information
Construction sector grows 11.1%.
Residential projects drive growth. Click for more information
Nicaragua
Nicaragua expands mining concessions.
New projects strengthen economic development. Click for more information
Regional
Central America becomes the fifth-largest economy in Latin America.
The region reached a GDP of $386 billion in 2024. Click for more information
Exports to the U.S. grow despite tariffs.
The region increased exports by 10% in 2025. Click for more information
BLP Insights
Guatemala updates its regulation on precursors and chemical substances
The Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS) of Guatemala issued key reforms to the regulation of precursors and chemical substances, expanding obligations, updating control lists, and strengthening traceability requirements.
Companies must regularize inventories and update licenses before commercialization deadlines.
Economic Index
| Country | Exchange rate (USD) | Basic passive rate | Monetary policy rate | S&P | Moody’s | Fitch | Inflation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | 506.56 | 3.86% | 3.50% | BB | Ba2 | BB+ | -0.93% |
| El Salvador | 8.75 | 5.36% | N/A | B- | B3 | B- | 0.11% |
| Guatemala | 7.66 | 5.10% | 4.00% | BB+ | Ba1 | BB | 1.17% |
| Honduras | 26.16 | 8.42% | 5.75% | BB- | B1 | N/A | 4.16% |
| Nicaragua | 36.62 | 2.23% | 6.00% | B+ | B2 | B | 0.64% |
03/10/2025 | Source: https://www.secmca.org/
For more information, contact us at [email protected]