The Central Bank of Nicaragua (BCN) published its first-quarter 2025 foreign trade report and statistics, showing total exports (goods plus free trade zone) of USD 2,074.3 million, up 7.8% year on year, and total imports (FOB) of USD 2,681.0 million, up 4.2%. The resulting trade deficit was USD 606.7 million, 6.5% smaller than in the same period of 2024. Goods exports accounted for 59.2% of the total (USD 1,228.4 million) and grew 13.8% year on year, supported by increases in agricultural exports (+31.4%), mining (+15.8%), manufacturing (+2.9%), and fishing and aquaculture (+22.3%). Free trade zone exports represented 40.8% (USD 845.9 million) and were broadly unchanged, with higher shipments of textiles (+2.8%), harnesses (+3.5%), and fruits and vegetables (+16.2%) offset by declines in processed fish products (-49.0%) and tobacco (-3.2%). On the import side, merchandise imports rose 4.5% and free trade zone imports 3.1%, with merchandise import growth driven by capital goods (+27.2%), intermediate goods (+8.5%), and consumer goods (+6.7%); the terms of trade increased 7.1% due to higher average export prices (+13.6%) and lower average import prices (-1.2%).
Central Bank of Nicaragua 2025-05-19
Central Bank of Nicaragua publishes Q1 2025 foreign trade report showing exports up 7.8% and trade deficit down to USD 606.7 million
The Central Bank of Nicaragua's Q1 2025 report shows a 7.8% rise in exports to USD 2,074.3 million and a 4.2% increase in imports to USD 2,681.0 million, resulting in a USD 606.7 million trade deficit, 6.5% smaller than last year. Goods exports grew 13.8%, driven by agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and fishing, while free trade zone exports were stable. Merchandise imports rose 4.5%, led by capital goods, and terms of trade improved 7.1% due to higher export prices and lower import prices.