The Chamber of Commerce in Costa Rica has expressed its concern as the situation affecting Nicaragua continues to affect the transportation of merchandise through this nation’s territory, affecting both imports and exports. Due to this, companies have been obligated to use other means of transportation such as maritime and aerial which have resulted in an increase in the logistics costs of as much as 70%.

“It is important to remember that Central America is the second most important commercial partner for Costa Rica, exports reach 2.3 billion dollars a year, with ground transportation being the most used means of transportation”, states the press release.

“In 2017, over 81 thousand containers of exports and imports including international transports traveled through the Peñas Blancas frontier, making it one of the most important ground routes”, explained Alonso Elizondo, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.

For the time being, the recommendation is to not move ground cargo through Nicaragua, many companies have had their merchandise stuck for more than 10 days, when this merchandise does not reach its destinations this generates millions in losses which could be as much as $10 million dollars.

“The Chamber of Commerce in Costa Rica, requests that the Government establishes contingency measures to mitigate the effects that the political situation in Nicaragua is having on the commerce”, concludes the press statement.

The Industries’ Chamber of Costa Rica, also raised their voice in the matter: “The industrial sector considers that it is urgent to elevate the topic to the OAS and all pertinent international organisms for diplomatic actions to be taken in a situation that is getting out of control”.

“It is important to point out that there are many Costa Rican companies with important investments in the Nicaraguan territory, it is fundamental and necessary for the industrial sector that there is a climate of democracy, peace, stability and freedom of speech in Nicaragua, situation that has been lost during the period that our sister nation is experiencing”, commented Enrique Egloff, President of the Industries’ Chamber of Costa Rica.