The value of Nicaragua's exports fell by 7.2% during the first seven months of 2013 compared to the same period last year, according to data reported by the Centre for Export Procedures (Cetrex).
Foreign sales between January and July this year amounted to US$1,520.1 million, while during the same period in 2012 they totaled US$1,638.1 million.
Cetrex also reported a 3.8% drop in foreign sale volumes, registering 1,100,944.8 metric tonnes between January and July this year compared to the 1,144,752.4 tonnes from the same period in 2012.
The entity explained that the fall in international prices for some traditional products, such as bananas and dairy products, among others, are the cause for this drop in the value of exports.
Furthermore, it stated that the United States is still the main destination for Nicaragua's exports (26.11% of the market), followed by Venezuela (15.57%) and Canada (11.66%). These three countries combined purchase more than half of all Nicaraguan products.
Last year, Nicaragua's exports made a record US$2,677.4 million; 18.3% more than in 2011, according to official data.
