The fall in the exports of different products generates concern for national entrepreneurs.
The null growth of the agricultural sector and the fall in sectors such as meat, paper and cardboard caused the Chamber of Exporters of Costa Rica (CADEXCO) to express concern about the low rebound in sales in international markets.
Exports of plastic and plants, flowers and foliage also reported a decrease at the end of May.
According to Laura Bonilla, president of CADEXCO, export performance data are worrisome and alarms the agricultural sector, accounting for 28% of exports and the largest employer in rural areas.
This sector generates 12% of salaried employment and 15% of independent employment in the country, which is why this is a problem and we need to reverse it,”
said Bonilla.
The chamber noted that the lack of competitiveness, the high cost of electric power, and the lack of adequate infrastructure is making the logistics of exporters more expensive. Similarly, little access to credit was questioned.
Faced with statistics for the first five months of the year, CADEXCO calls for authorities to expedite permits to export more agricultural products.
The export sector urgently needs to obtain permits for melon, frozen yucca, frozen fruit and dehydrated fruit to export to China,”
says CADEXCO.
In addition, it requests greater support for emerging products such as granadilla, pejibaye, and other products that can be competitive in the international market.