Exports are expected to post growth of just 0.2 percent for the year, for a total value of slightly more than US$1 trillion.
The report, based on national and international data on 18 countries in Latin America, notes that the region’s exports actually declined in the first months of the year, continuing a negative trend that began in late 2012. But in the third quarter, exports began to grow again.
Estimates now point to a small positive overall growth rate for 2013.
Results varied considerably among countries. Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela all posted declines in exports, while Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and Uruguay posted increases. Results in Central America were mixed, with exports barely growing in Costa Rica and Guatemala, declining in Honduras and Nicaragua, but expanding in El Salvador and Panama.
These results reflected uneven economic conditions in Latin America’s major trade partners. In Europe, continued sluggishness was reflected in a 5 percent drop in demand for the region’s exports. In contrast, China’s imports from Latin America increased nearly 10 percent region-wide, in spite of slower growth in the Asian nation, while Japan and South Korea reduced their purchases from the region.
Exports of mineral ores and metals did not perform well in 2013, affecting countries such as Peru, Chile and Brazil, while foodstuffs had a better year. A fall in the prices of some primary goods, such as copper, gold and soybeans, also had a negative effect on export revenues. Of key commodities, only iron ore showed a significant price increase in the second half of the year.
For 2014, stronger demand from the U.S. should benefit the region, especially Mexico, while improved demand from China is expected to benefit the main mineral and agricultural exporters in South America.
Estimates were not run for the Caribbean due to a lack of an adequate year-to-date sample.
Exports are expected to post growth of just 0.2 percent for the year, for a total value of slightly more than US$1 trillion.
The report, based on national and international data on 18 countries in Latin America, notes that the region’s exports actually declined in the first months of the year, continuing a negative trend that began in late 2012. But in the third quarter, exports began to grow again.
Estimates now point to a small positive overall growth rate for 2013.
Results varied considerably among countries. Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Venezuela all posted declines in exports, while Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay and Uruguay posted increases. Results in Central America were mixed, with exports barely growing in Costa Rica and Guatemala, declining in Honduras and Nicaragua, but expanding in El Salvador and Panama.
These results reflected uneven economic conditions in Latin America’s major trade partners. In Europe, continued sluggishness was reflected in a 5 percent drop in demand for the region’s exports. In contrast, China’s imports from Latin America increased nearly 10 percent region-wide, in spite of slower growth in the Asian nation, while Japan and South Korea reduced their purchases from the region.
Exports of mineral ores and metals did not perform well in 2013, affecting countries such as Peru, Chile and Brazil, while foodstuffs had a better year. A fall in the prices of some primary goods, such as copper, gold and soybeans, also had a negative effect on export revenues. Of key commodities, only iron ore showed a significant price increase in the second half of the year.
For 2014, stronger demand from the U.S. should benefit the region, especially Mexico, while improved demand from China is expected to benefit the main mineral and agricultural exporters in South America.
Estimates were not run for the Caribbean due to a lack of an adequate year-to-date sample.