Any port in a storm

In a positive tendency, Central America’s foreign trade is growing and diversifying.

But another tendency is going in the opposite direction. With the exception of Panama, where Colón and Balboa have pushed Brazil’s Santos into the number three spot in the port rankings for Latin America, the region’s ports are stagnating.

Recent attempts at modernization, including La Unión in El Salvador and Moín, Costa Rica.

But while La Unión was built almost three years ago, no agreement has yet been reached on a concession.

In the case of Moín, various groups have delayed the award of a $1 billion concession for the construction and operation of a new container port.

Another approach would involve the association accord with Central America, which Europe has been pressing for, including a condition that region create a customs union, with common border rules.

Fewer border barriers would let the region manage with fewer ports.