The Central Bank of Nicaragua published its external trade report and statistics for the fourth quarter of 2025, reporting that total exports (goods plus free trade zone output) reached USD 2,096.7 million, up 14.5% year on year. Total imports (FOB, goods plus free trade zone) were USD 2,838.8 million, up 5.0%, resulting in a Q4 trade deficit of USD 742.2 million, 15.0% lower than a year earlier. For 2025 as a whole, total exports amounted to USD 8,908.9 million, up 15.4% versus 2024, driven by a 27.1% increase in goods exports (up USD 1,134.9 million) and a 1.6% rise in free trade zone exports (up USD 56.8 million). Goods export growth reflected increases in agriculture (46.1%), mining (44.4%), and fishing and aquaculture (6.7%), while free trade zone gains were led by harnesses (14.4%), tobacco products (2.3%), and fruit and vegetables (16.9%), partially offset by declines in maquila fish products (-34.4%) and palm oil (-31.3%). Total imports in 2025 were USD 11,399.5 million, up 7.5%, supported by higher goods imports (9.0%) and increased purchases of inputs for free trade zone industries (2.1%); within goods imports, capital goods rose 21.3%, intermediate goods 15.0% and consumer goods 7.3%, partly offset by an 8.2% fall in oil and derivatives. The cumulative 2025 trade deficit was USD 2,490.6 million, down 13.8% from 2024.
Central Bank of Nicaragua 2026-02-27
Central Bank of Nicaragua publishes Q4 2025 external trade statistics showing exports up 14.5% and the 2025 trade deficit down 13.8%
The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported a 14.5% year-on-year increase in Q4 2025 exports to USD 2,096.7 million, while imports rose 5.0% to USD 2,838.8 million, resulting in a trade deficit of USD 742.2 million, 15.0% lower than the previous year. For 2025, exports grew 15.4% to USD 8,908.9 million, driven by agriculture, mining, and fishing. Imports rose 7.5% to USD 11,399.5 million, with growth in capital and intermediate goods, reducing the trade deficit to USD 2,490.6 million, down 13.8% from 2024.