Region: Korean trade

Four Central American countries have expressed interest in starting negotations this year on a free trade agreement with the Republic of Korea. Nicaragua and Panama have not yet confirmed an interest in participating in the project. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, however, consider that reduced barriers to trade would help various sectors do business with Korea, whose consumers have seen their purchasing power increase by close to 20% in the past four years. For their part, Korean producers could expect to increase their market share in the region, where they are already strong, in areas which include automotive and consumer electronics.


Opportunities

• Processed fruits
• Tropical beverages
• Coffee, chocolate and cocoa products
• Melon and pineapple