Nicaragua’s Trade Deficit Decreases by 16.3% in First Half of 2025
Nicaragua has reported a significant decrease in its trade deficit, which fell by 16.3% during the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year, attributed to a larger increase in exports than imports, according to the Nicaraguan Central Bank. The accumulated deficit for this period was $1,147.6 million, down from $1,372 million in the first half of 2024, reports 24brussels.
The total value of exports, including goods and those from free zones, reached $4,441.1 million in June, marking a 12.5% increase over 2024. This growth was driven by a 21.9% rise in general merchandise exports and a 0.5% increase in free zone exports.
Key contributors to the export surge included agricultural products, which rose by 48.7%, and the mining sector, which saw a 31.5% increase. Notably, international prices significantly impacted agricultural exports, with coffee prices up 42.7% and live cattle by 37.8%, the Central Bank reported.
In contrast, Nicaragua’s imports during the first half of 2025 totaled $5,588.7 million, a 5.1% rise from the same period last year. This increase was largely due to a 5% growth in merchandise imports and a 5.4% rise in imports from free zones.
Nicaragua ended 2024 with a total trade deficit of $3,058.5 million, a notable 24.6% increase from the previous year. This deficit accounted for 17.2% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), highlighting ongoing economic challenges.
As the economy navigates these shifts, the implications for trade policies and future economic strategies remain significant for Nicaragua, especially in fostering sustainable growth and reducing the trade imbalance.
