2016 Central America Outbound Trade Mission to Costa Rica & Guatemala

The Western U.S. Agricultural Trade Association (WUSATA®), and the 13 Western State Departments of Agriculture, announce participation and registration in the following activity:

Central America Buying Mission to Guatemala and Costa Rica  ~  May 1 - 6, 2016

Costa Rica is an attractive market for U.S. exports. Costa Rica consumers are highly receptive to U.S. food brands, trends and retailers, making the country ripe for export potential. Beer, baking ingredients, processed meats and pet food are among the fastest growing U.S. export sectors with plenty of growth possible in other sectors as well. U.S. exports of agricultural products to Costa Rica totaled $484 million in 2013.

Guatemala has Central America’s largest economy. The agricultural sector contributes approximately 13.5% total GDP and accounts for 41% of total exports. U.S. exports of agricultural products to Guatemala totaled $946 million in 2013.

The United States has a free trade agreement with both Costa Rica and Guatemala under the CAFTA-DR, making both of these markets highly desirable for U.S. exporters.

WUSATA will recruit 10 companies to travel to Central America. Companies will participate in one-on-one meetings with buyers, product showcases, business networking receptions, market briefings from USDA’s FAS staff, and retail tours.  

Proposed Itinerary:

• Sunday, May 1^st : Fly to Guatemala
• Monday, May 2^nd : ATO Briefing, Business Meetings, Retail Visits, Welcome Dinner
• Tuesday, May 3^rd : Business Meetings, Fly to San José
• Wednesday, May 4^th : ATO Briefing, Business Meetings, Retail Visits
• Thursday, May 5^th : Business Meetings, Networking Reception
• Friday, May 6^th : Fly back to the U.S.

Benefits of Participation:

• Meet one-on-one with top importers, retailers and distributors from Central America
• Product showcases
• Business networking receptions
• Market briefings from USDA's FAS staff
• Retail tours
• Interpreters provided as needed
• Lodging for 5 nights
• Ground transportation

Cost of Participation:  $250 per Company