This country’s total trade abroad stood at 10,991.2 million by the end of September, of which 3,854.6 million (35.1 percent) were destined for the region, the bank said.
El Salvador purchased the largest volume during this period, adding $1.42 billion, accounting for 36.8 percent of the total sales volume to Central American countries.
Honduras followed with $1,233.9 million, accounting for 32 percent of trade with the region, while exports to Nicaragua totaled $721.6 million and to Costa Rica $479 million.
The top 10 products sold to Central America include, in order, plastic materials and their products, textiles (cloths or fabrics), paper, cardboard and pharmaceuticals.
The Bank of Guatemala (Banguat) also described preparations based on grain, detergents and soaps, iron and steel, cooking fats and oils as well as beverages, alcoholic liquids and vinegars.
In the region, the United States follows with three thousand 444.7 million dollars, 31.3 percent. Then follow the European Union, Mexico and Panama.
The national economy will end 2023 with growth of 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) and inflation of 4.95, the monetary authorities announced days ago.
In a press conference, the president of the country’s central bank, Álvaro González, said that forecasts point to growth below last year’s 4.1 percent and 2021’s eight percent.
In any case, Banguat said the economy would reach 3.5 percent of GDP next year, similar to 2023, although the potential is to reach five percent per year in the long term.
rgh/znc