Русский
In this unique guide, we showcase Russia’s diplomatic, trade and investment ties with a region where Russia’s influence is undoubtedly growing, and include Mexico as well as the Central American countries of Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Russia’s involvement in Central America has been somewhat restricted due to distance, the political nearness of the United States, and their relatively small economies. Nonetheless, Russia does hold the larger share of multilateral trade, with about 90% of Russian exports accounting for all regional trade. Most of these are fertilizers, supporting Central America’s main agricultural sector. However, as the United States is developing a more insular attitude towards its immediate neighbours, there are opportunities for Russian trade and investment.
Excluding Mexico, collectively, the seven Central American economies represent a market of about 184 million consumers and a GDP of about US$363 billion, roughly equivalent in economic size to Denmark or Pakistan. With Mexico, that increases to a market of 315 million consumers and a total GDP (PPP) of just under US$4 trillion – comparable to Turkiye.
Apart from trade, most of Russian development in the region comes through educational facilities, with numerous Central American Universities partnering with Russian academic institutions. Russian-language, culture and academic places are available to Central American students.
The overall trade picture has shown recent improvement after initial declines in the period from 2020. Long-term relations are and continue to be put into place, such as with Nicaragua, while most opportunities lie in the agriculture related sectors.
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