In 2018, companies from Central American countries imported petroleum oils for $10.066 million, 21% more than in 2017, a rise due to purchases from the United States.

Guatemalan Companies, Main Buyers
Last year, the main buyer of petroleum oils and bituminous minerals in Central America continued to be Guatemala, with $2.474 million, followed by Panama, with $2.255 million, Costa Rica, with $1.558 million, Honduras with $1.529 million, El Salvador, with $1.342 million and Nicaragua with $959 million.

Regional Business Upwards
Between 2017 and 2018, imported value increased 21% from $8,312 million to $10,066 million. This is the second consecutive year in which positive year-on-year variations are reported.

For the years concerned, purchases from U.S. companies have grown 21%, from $6,185 million to $7,485 million.

U.S. companies, most important suppliers
In 2018, 74% of the value purchased by Central America was from the U.S., 17% from Panama Free Zone, 2% from Ecuador and 1% from Malaysia.

The U.S. is the market origin of imports that has grown the most in the last seven years, since in 2012 represented 53% of total purchases and in 2018 increased to 74%.

Note: This report, prepared and analyzed by CentralAmericaData, uses Sieca data.