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The twenty imports Nicaragua is best placed to replace.

Nicaragua imported USD 8.7bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 3.6bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well, with how concentrated the supply of each is.

USD 1.5bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
50products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
265products Nicaragua already exports well
170product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Nicaragua already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Nicaragua would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Nicaragua does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Iron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, containing indentations, ribs, grooves...HS 721420

    Comes fromCosta Rica 58%, 9 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow... (exports USD 7m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 76m, top 6 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 5 per cent (3); Costa Rica supplies 58 per cent (1).

    USD 76mup 61% on 2022
  2. 2

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, urea, whether or not in aqueous solutionHS 310210

    Comes fromRussia 66%, 11 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 14m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 70m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 19 per cent (2); Russia supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 70mup 1% on 2022
  3. 3

    Fabrics: knitted or crocheted fabrics, other than those of headings 60.01 to 60.04, of cotton, dyedHS 600622

    Comes fromGuatemala 42%, 17 source countries
    Nearest export strengthNightshirts and pyjamas: men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or... (exports USD 1m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 92m
    Countries that export it well21

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 316m, top 1 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 16 per cent (2); Guatemala supplies 42 per cent (1).

    USD 316mdown 11% on 2022
  4. 4

    Ethylene polymers: sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of goodsHS 392321

    Comes fromEl Salvador 52%, 38 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 188k; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 86m
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 39m, top 22 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 9 per cent (3); El Salvador supplies 52 per cent (1).

    USD 39mdown 2% on 2022
  5. 5

    Soap and organic surface-active products: in the form of bars, cakes, moulded shapes, and paper, wadding, felt and...HS 340111

    Comes fromGuatemala 73%, 22 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 520k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 32m
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 25m, top 42 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 8 per cent (3); Guatemala supplies 73 per cent (2).

    USD 25mup 7% on 2022
  6. 6

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectorsHS 854449

    Comes fromMexico 49%, 45 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 11m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 47m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 212m, top 2 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 43 per cent (1); Mexico supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 212mup 6% on 2022
  7. 7

    Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10HS 210690

    Comes fromCosta Rica 36%, 39 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 9m
    Countries that export it well51

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 128m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 19 per cent (2).

    USD 128mup 18% on 2022
  8. 8

    Food preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether or not containing cocoa: communion wafers, empty...HS 190590

    Comes fromGuatemala 25%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 31m
    Countries that export it well47

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 65m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2).

    USD 65mup 11% on 2022
  9. 9

    Cases and containers: n.e.c. in heading 4202, with outer surface of sheeting of plastics or of textile materialsHS 420292

    Comes fromChina 94%, 41 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 331k
    Countries that export it well14

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 59m, top 11 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 34 per cent (1); China supplies 94 per cent (2).

    USD 59mup 40% on 2022
  10. 10

    Paper articles: toilet paperHS 481810

    Comes fromEl Salvador 56%, 11 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPaper articles: tablecloths and serviettes, of paper, cellulose... (exports USD 625k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 124k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 11m
    Countries that export it well40

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 58m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); El Salvador supplies 56 per cent (1).

    USD 58mup 74% on 2022
  11. 11

    Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap...HS 340250

    Comes fromGuatemala 63%, 18 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 242k
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 51m, top 15 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 29 per cent (1); Guatemala supplies 63 per cent (2).

    USD 51mup 28% on 2022
  12. 12

    Cement clinkers (whether or not coloured)HS 252310

    Comes fromVietnam 30%, 13 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well36

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 38m, top 22 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 3 per cent (3).

    USD 38mdown 3% on 2022
  13. 13

    Paper and paperboard: cartons, boxes and cases, of corrugated paper or paperboardHS 481910

    Comes fromEl Salvador 42%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 788k
    Countries that export it well46

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 37m, top 24 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 12 per cent (2); El Salvador supplies 42 per cent (1).

    USD 37mdown 6% on 2022
  14. 14

    Plastics: tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of vinyl chlorideHS 391723

    Comes fromCosta Rica 52%, 32 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 7k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 11m
    Countries that export it well42

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 47 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 8 per cent (3); Costa Rica supplies 52 per cent (1).

    USD 24mdown 7% on 2022
  15. 15

    Cigarettes: containing tobaccoHS 240220

    Comes fromMexico 78%, 8 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 251k
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 16m, top 71 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 8 per cent (3); Mexico supplies 78 per cent (2).

    USD 16mdown 17% on 2022
  16. 16

    Non-alcoholic beverages: other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no. 2202.10, not including fruit, nut or...HS 220299

    Comes fromMexico 38%, 21 source countries
    Nearest export strengthJams, fruit jellies, marmalades, purees and pastes: of fruit or nuts... (exports USD 3m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 58m, top 11 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 18 per cent (2).

    USD 58mup 52% on 2022
  17. 17

    Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any materialHS 961900

    Comes fromMexico 49%, 20 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 8k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 57m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1); Mexico supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 57mup 20% on 2022
  18. 18

    Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990

    Comes fromGuatemala 35%, 24 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWaters: including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or... (exports USD 18m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 849k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 29m
    Countries that export it well48

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 56m, top 14 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 11 per cent (2).

    USD 56mdown 19% on 2022
  19. 19

    Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsHS 210390

    Comes fromCosta Rica 35%, 23 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk... (exports USD 19m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 95k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 26m
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 43m, top 19 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 13 per cent (2).

    USD 43mup 40% on 2022
  20. 20

    Medicaments: containing antibiotics (other than penicillins, streptomycins or their derivatives), for therapeutic or...HS 300420

    Comes fromDominican Republic 22%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone named
    Exports of this lineUSD 419k; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 339m
    Countries that export it well36

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 40m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Nicaragua's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2).

    USD 40mup 2% on 2022

The bill and its path, the sources and their unit values, who exports the line well, the nearest strengths, the public buyers where a country publishes them, and the method. We reply by email. Privacy

One line per customs heading. Products Nicaragua already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Clothing: parts of garments or of clothing accessories, other than those of... imports USD 43m, exports USD 2m, top source Honduras 93%
  • Iron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow profiles (not... imports USD 33m, exports USD 7m, top source Honduras 38%
  • Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, dyed, of weaves... imports USD 33m, exports USD 6m, top source United States 49%
  • Sewing thread: of synthetic filaments, whether or not put up for retail sale imports USD 25m, exports USD 705k, top source Honduras 51%
  • Plastics: boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the conveyance or... imports USD 46m, exports USD 26m, top source United States 55%
  • Waters: including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or other... imports USD 36m, exports USD 18m, top source Guatemala 52%
  • Jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of textile... imports USD 17m, exports USD 2m, top source Honduras 99%
  • Iron of steel: barbed wire, twisted hoop or single flat wire and loosely... imports USD 12m, exports USD 494k, top source Costa Rica 32%
  • Medical, surgical instruments and appliances: catheters, cannulae and the like imports USD 21m, exports USD 16m, top source United States 61%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 170 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-03. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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What Nicaragua buys, and from whom: the trade lanes into Nicaragua.

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