Nicaragua leads Central America in export growth with 42.3% in the first quarter of 2026

The country recorded the highest export growth in Central America and ranked second in Latin America—trailing only Bolivia—according to an official study by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Nicaragua began 2026 with a strong surge in exports. During the first quarter of the year, sales of goods abroad grew by 42.3% year-on-year, nearly tripling the 15.4% rate recorded by the country for the entirety of 2025.

This figure appears in the official IDB study, "Estimates of Trade Trends: Latin America and the Caribbean – 2026 Edition (Q1 Update)," which identifies Nicaragua as the country with the highest export growth in Central America during the period analyzed.

Nicaragua outpaces the regional average

The 42.3% growth rate far exceeds the 12.6% average recorded for Central America and also surpasses the 15.7% figure for Latin America and the Caribbean.

The disparity is particularly pronounced within Central America. Following Nicaragua, Honduras recorded growth of 11.5%, Costa Rica 6.4%, Guatemala 5.2%, El Salvador 3.6%, and Panama 0.7%.

Export growth in Central America:

Nicaragua: 42.3%

Honduras: 11.5%

Costa Rica: 6.4%

Guatemala: 5.2%

El Salvador: 3.6%

Panama: 0.7%

This result places Nicaragua well ahead of other Central American economies in terms of export growth.

Second place in Latin America

Nicaragua's performance also stands out when the comparison is expanded to include all of Latin America.


Nicaragua ranked second in the region with 42.3%, surpassed only by Bolivia, which recorded 100.2%.

In the same comparison, Peru reached 33.5%, Paraguay 19.7%, the Dominican Republic 18.3%, Mexico 17.9%, Argentina 16.9%, Colombia 15.5%, and Chile 13.8%.

Nicaragua's ranking reflects the magnitude of the growth in its exports during the first quarter of 2026.

A positive result for Nicaragua

The growth in exports represents a positive outcome for the country, reflecting an expansion in foreign sales of goods and a prominent position within the regional landscape.

This performance also highlights the importance of an environment of stability and peace, enabling economic activities to flourish and allowing the country to continue advancing toward opportunities for development and social progress.

With export growth of 42.3%, Nicaragua began 2026 leading Central America and ranking second in Latin America, according to figures presented by the IDB.