AGP Executive Report

Rewilding & Biodiversity Recovery: Costa Rica’s Tenorio Volcano area is seeing real returns after a decade of rewilding, with tapirs and other wildlife back in the restored Tapir Valley Nature Reserve—an industry-relevant reminder that land management can rebuild natural assets. Livestock Biosecurity: The U.S. confirmed the first New World screwworm case in 60 years in a calf in south Texas, triggering quarantine and sterile-fly releases; the fly’s spread across Central America and Mexico raises direct risk for regional cattle supply chains that Nicaragua’s producers depend on. Trade & Forced-Labor Tariffs: The U.S. proposed Section 301 tariffs (10% or 12.5%) on 60 economies over forced-labor enforcement gaps, with Nicaragua placed in the 12.5% tier; textiles/apparel tied to CAFTA-DR get specific exemptions, but exporters and logistics firms should model cost and routing impacts now. Regional Policy Watch: Bolivia’s protests escalated to ministerial resignations and talk of a “state of exception,” a reminder that instability can disrupt food, fuel, and transport flows across the region.

Forced-Labor Tariffs: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed new Section 301 tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies after finding failures to prohibit or enforce forced-labor import rules, with Nicaragua named among the 12.5% tier; the plan includes product and program exemptions (including some CAFTA-DR textiles/apparel duty-free entries) and a public comment process ahead of expected finalization before late July. Livestock Biosecurity: Texas confirmed its first New World screwworm case in decades—a calf in Zavala County—prompting quarantine steps and sterile-fly releases; the parasite has been spreading north through Central America, raising risks for cattle and wildlife and underscoring the need for tighter border and ranch health controls across the region. Nicaragua Link: The forced-labor tariff findings explicitly include Nicaragua, meaning importers and manufacturers tied to regional supply chains should review sourcing and compliance exposure now.

Animal Health & Livestock Risk: USDA confirmed the first U.S. New World screwworm case in decades—found in a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, south Texas—prompting quarantine zones, movement controls, and sterile-fly releases to stop spread; experts warn the pest can hit cattle, wildlife, pets, and rarely humans, and that it likely moved north from Central America via animal movement. Trade Policy & Supply Chains: USTR advanced Section 301 forced-labor tariffs, proposing 10% to 12.5% duties on imports from 60 economies; Nicaragua is listed among countries facing the 12.5% tier, with exemptions noted for some CAFTA-DR textiles/apparel and USMCA-compliant goods. Regional Context for Nicaragua: The screwworm outbreak is described as having spread through Central America (including Nicaragua) after earlier detections in Mexico, underscoring cross-border biosecurity stakes for Nicaragua’s livestock sector.

Livestock & Biosecurity: The USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in the U.S. in decades: a 3-week-old calf in Zavala County, south Texas, with officials moving fast on a 20-kilometer quarantine zone and sterile-fly releases to stop spread. The pest, linked to contraband cattle flows from Central America into Mexico, threatens cattle, wildlife, pets, and can even infect humans. Trade & Supply Chains: The U.S. USTR launched and advanced Section 301 forced-labor findings, proposing tariffs up to 12.5% on 60 economies; Nicaragua is listed among countries facing the higher tier, raising the stakes for regional exporters and compliance costs. Nicaragua Human Rights: A Miskitu leader’s daughter says Brooklyn Rivera died in detention and was buried without family participation, renewing pressure on Nicaragua’s custody and treatment practices.

Livestock Health Alert: The USDA confirmed a New World screwworm infestation in a 3-week-old calf in La Pryor, South Texas—the first U.S. case in decades—prompting quarantines and surveillance as the parasite’s larvae feed on living tissue and can spread via animal movement. Trade & Compliance Shockwaves: The U.S. proposed Section 301 tariffs of 10% to 12.5% on imports from 60 economies tied to forced-labor enforcement gaps, with Nicaragua listed among the 12.5% tier—raising the stakes for regional exporters and supply chains. Telecom Infrastructure Expansion: DIDWW expanded SIP trunking to Nicaragua (plus Colombia and parts of Europe), boosting enterprise voice connectivity and local call termination coverage across 57 countries. Regional Business Context: U.S. forced-labor tariff moves also ripple through Central America and major partners, while Brazil’s government escalated its trade dispute with Washington—signals of tougher market access ahead for manufacturers. Nicaragua Human Rights: Reports say Nicaragua’s Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera died in detention, with family alleging delays and restrictions around his burial and treatment.

US–Nicaragua Trade & Supply Chains: The U.S. Trade Representative has proposed new Section 301 tariffs on imports from 60 economies over alleged failures to stop forced-labor goods, with Nicaragua listed among the affected countries; the plan would add duties of 10% to 12.5% and is set for a July 7 public hearing, raising the odds of higher costs for import-dependent industries. Agribusiness Risk: In a major livestock scare, USDA confirmed the first New World screwworm case in the U.S. in south Texas, prompting quarantines and sterile-fly releases to protect the $15B cattle industry—an issue that matters for regional animal health and cross-border supply chains. Local Telecom Infrastructure: DIDWW expanded SIP trunking to Nicaragua (plus Colombia and parts of Europe), boosting enterprise voice connectivity and local call termination coverage—useful for call centers, logistics firms, and service exporters. Nicaraguan Human Rights & Indigenous Affairs: The family of Miskitu leader Brooklyn Rivera says he was detained and died in captivity, with his daughter Tininiska Rivera alleging the government blocked family participation in burial and released images after international pressure.

Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed Section 301 tariffs of 10%–12.5% on imports from 60 economies over alleged failures to block forced-labor goods, with Nicaragua listed among the affected countries—setting up a major compliance test for exporters and supply chains. Telecom & Connectivity: DIDWW expanded its SIP trunking service to Nicaragua (plus Colombia and several European markets), boosting enterprise voice infrastructure coverage across 57 countries. Agribusiness Risk: The U.S. confirmed the first New World screwworm case in South Texas, triggering quarantine and movement controls that could ripple through livestock operations and costs. Sustainability & Brands: Nicaragua’s Flor de Caña won Australia’s top “Diamond” sustainability award, citing renewable energy, carbon-neutral production, and tree-planting. Local Industry Leadership: LASCO began leadership succession planning after founder Lascelles Chin’s death, elevating Dr. Eileen Chin to expanded roles across the group. Workforce & Health: Research links glyphosate exposure in agricultural workers (including in Nicaragua) to kidney health concerns, raising pressure for safer farm practices and regulation.

Forced-Labor Tariff Probe Hits Nicaragua: The U.S. Trade Representative named Nicaragua among 54 economies failing to enforce bans on goods made with forced labor, setting up proposed new U.S. tariffs of 10%–12.5% (public hearing July 7). Cuba Sanctions Expand Globally: The Trump administration is extending Cuba-related secondary sanctions beyond U.S. firms, targeting foreign banks and companies tied to GAESA-linked sectors—raising compliance risk for regional trade partners. Telecom Infrastructure Boost: DIDWW expanded SIP trunking to Nicaragua (plus Iceland, Netherlands, Belgium, Colombia), aiming to improve enterprise voice connectivity across the Americas. Agriculture Safety Watch: New research links glyphosate exposure in workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua to kidney health impacts, putting occupational safety and herbicide policy back in focus. Indigenous Land Loss in Nicaragua: Brooklyn Rivera Bryan (“Taupla Brooklyn”) died in custody after detention since 2023, highlighting ongoing pressure on Miskitu and other Indigenous territories in La Moskitia. Sustainability Spotlight (Nicaragua): Flor de Caña won Australia’s Diamond Product Sustainability Award for its field-to-bottle, renewable-energy and carbon-neutral approach.

Agribusiness & Food Security: Drought fears are rising in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor as El Niño nears, with wells drying and subsistence farmers warning that without rains they could “die of hunger,” a risk that also matters for Nicaragua’s regional supply chains. Trade & Textiles: The U.S. USTR says India is among countries flagged under Section 301 for alleged forced-labor gaps, proposing extra tariffs of 10%–12.5%, with a separate mechanism for textiles and apparel—important for Central American buyers and exporters watching tariff spillovers. Agrochemicals & Health: A new study links glyphosate exposure in agricultural workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua to kidney health problems, putting occupational safety and herbicide regulation back on the agenda. Nicaragua Land Rights: Nicaragua Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera Bryan (Taupla Brooklyn) died in government custody after detention since 2023, underscoring ongoing pressure on La Moskitia forests and territories. Energy/Industry Branding: Nicaragua’s Flor de Caña won a top sustainability award in Australia, highlighting renewable “field-to-bottle” production and carbon-neutral claims that can support export competitiveness.

Agro-Health Watch: A new cohort study links glyphosate exposure in agricultural workers in El Salvador and Nicaragua to worse kidney function, raising fresh pressure on farm chemical safety and regulation. Livestock Biosecurity: U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins pushed back on a Texas lawmaker’s claim that New World screwworms are just 1 mile from the border, saying the closest detection is about 25 miles away and warning against panic as monitoring ramps up. Climate & Food Security: As El Niño approaches, drought fears are growing in Guatemala’s Dry Corridor, with hunger risk highlighted across the region that includes Nicaragua. Immigration & Labor Access: Costa Rica will let eligible Nicaraguans (plus Venezuelans, Cubans, Colombians) with pending or rejected asylum cases apply for a special temporary residency category starting Sept. 1, enabling legal work. Caribbean Coast Rights: Nicaragua Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera Bryan (Taupla Brooklyn) died in government custody after detention since Sept. 2023, spotlighting ongoing land and resource pressures in La Moskitia. Sustainability Spotlight: Nicaragua’s Flor de Caña won Australia’s top “Diamond Product Sustainability” award for its field-to-bottle carbon-neutral model.

Sustainability & Exports: Nicaragua’s Flor de Caña won Australia’s top “Diamond Product Sustainability Award,” praising its field-to-bottle model using 100% renewable energy, carbon capture from fermentation, circular practices, and tree planting. Mining & Investment: Mako Mining’s re-rating story highlights a shift toward a debt-free, multi-project gold producer, with attention on Nicaragua-linked exposure and execution risks. Indigenous Rights: Nicaragua Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera Bryan (“Taupla Brooklyn”) died May 30 in government custody after detention since Sept. 2023, with his lifelong fight centered on land rights and protection of La Moskitia from logging, mining, and settlement pressures. Trade & Agriculture Context: USDA reports stronger US upland cotton sales and shipments to Asian buyers (Vietnam, Pakistan, China, Türkiye), while Nicaragua is listed among countries seeing reductions—useful backdrop for regional textile and farm input planning. Sports & Industry Spotlight: Nicaragua drew South Africa 0-0 in a friendly, a reminder of how regional football events keep attention on local talent pipelines and event-linked services.

Modular Manufacturing & Textiles: A Managua inventor is promoting a modular apparel system with interchangeable garment sections (shirts, hoodies, jackets and accessories) using detachable halves and diagonal fasteners, aiming to cut wardrobe redundancy while boosting styling and functional flexibility. Mining & Investment: Mako Mining’s re-rating story highlights its shift toward a debt-free, multi-project gold producer model, with attention on Nicaragua exposure and execution risks as investors weigh upside. Indigenous Land & Resource Conflict: Nicaragua’s Indigenous defender Brooklyn Rivera Bryan (“Taupla Brooklyn”) died in government custody after detention since Sept. 2023, underscoring ongoing pressure on La Moskitia from illegal settlement, logging, mining and cattle ranching. Trade & Agriculture Demand: USMEF says CAFTA-DR continues to support U.S. red meat exports to Central America, while warning that Iran-linked shocks and possible remittance slowdowns could cap demand growth. Regional Security & Illicit Trade: INTERPOL-backed operation ORCA XI reports 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs seized across the Americas, with major arrests and regional cooperation support. Sports & Local Economy Angle: Nicaragua held South Africa 0-0 in a World Cup prep friendly, a reminder that regional football events can still draw attention to Nicaragua’s sports ecosystem.

Mining & Investment: Nicaragua says it will return BHMB Mining to its original owners after the operation was confiscated in 2025 and later transferred to Chinese firms, with operations set to resume at the BHMB Palacaguina processing plant under a confidential agreement—an important signal for investors watching Nicaragua’s mining rules and sanctions risk. Trade & Agriculture: A U.S. Meat Export Federation briefing highlights that CAFTA-DR is expected to keep driving U.S. pork and beef exports to Central America, while warning demand could be capped by factors like the Iran war and possible remittance slowdowns. Security & Illicit Economies: INTERPOL-backed Operation Orça XI reports 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of drugs seized across the Americas, underscoring the regional enforcement pressure around trafficking networks. Local Industry Spotlight (Coffee): Nicaragua Cup of Excellence wraps with 29 winners, including top washed and natural/honey scores from Dipilto, Nueva Segovia—another boost for Nicaragua’s specialty coffee pipeline. Sports & Business Visibility: South Africa’s 0-0 friendly draw vs Nicaragua is a reminder of how international fixtures can still put Nicaragua on the regional spotlight, even when chances don’t convert.

Nicaragua Mining & Investment: Nicaragua says it will return BHMB Mining to its original owners after the state confiscated the operation in Sept. 2025 and later transferred it to Chinese firms, with an agreement to restart the BHMB Palacaguina gold processing plant in northern Nicaragua. Regional Security & Trade: An INTERPOL-backed operation (Orca XI) across Central America and beyond seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of illicit drugs, with thousands of arrests and major seizures of ammo, cash, and vehicles—another reminder of how organized crime disrupts regional supply chains. Agribusiness & Exports: USMEF says the CAFTA-DR trade framework will keep supporting U.S. pork and beef exports to Central America, while warning demand could be hit by shocks like the Iran war and reduced remittances. Coffee Industry: Nicaragua Cup of Excellence wrapped with 29 winners, including top washed and natural/honey honors from Dipilto (Nueva Segovia), signaling continued strength in specialty production. Sports & Local Economy: South Africa held a 0-0 friendly draw with Nicaragua, a small but notable boost for sports visibility tied to tourism and event interest.

Mining & Investment: Nicaragua says it will return BHMB Mining to its original owners after the government confiscated the operation in September 2025 and later transferred it to Chinese firms, with an agreement to resume work at the BHMB Palacaguina processing plant in northern Nicaragua. Trade & Agriculture: USMEF highlights that CAFTA-DR keeps driving U.S. pork and beef exports to Central America, while noting risks from the Iran war and possible remittance slowdowns tied to tougher U.S. border enforcement. Security & Industry Risks: INTERPOL-led “Orca XI” operations across the Americas seized 3,308 illegal firearms and 56 tonnes of illicit drugs, with 8,701 arrests—an indirect reminder of how organized crime can disrupt regional supply chains. Regional Labor: A report on Belize points to growing reliance on migrant workers for manual jobs in construction and agriculture, a sign of shifting labor markets across the region. Coffee Exports: Nicaragua Cup of Excellence wrapped with 29 winners, including top washed and natural/honey lots from Nueva Segovia—another signal for Nicaragua’s specialty coffee pipeline.

Mining & Investment: Nicaragua says it will return BHMB Mining to its original owners after the operation was confiscated in Sept. 2025 and later transferred to Chinese firms, with operations set to resume at the BHMB Palacaguina gold processing plant under a confidential agreement. Agribusiness & Trade: Banana prices on the EU market rose 4% week-on-week, with Nicaraguan bananas also up (to €0.93/kg), while mango supply concerns loom for the U.S. as Mexico’s production declines later in June. Coffee Exports: Nicaragua Cup of Excellence wrapped with 29 winners, including Samuel Zavala (washed Geisha, Dipilto, Nueva Segovia) and top natural/honey gesha from Inversiones Valladarez Acevedo S.A. Manufacturing & Supply Chains: ShinWon, an apparel manufacturer with operations including Nicaragua, says 44 employees joined Oxfam Trailwalker for 1,100 km as part of its ESG push. Sports & Local Economy: South Africa held Nicaragua to a 0-0 friendly, a reminder of how regional matches can still shape fan and sponsorship attention ahead of major tournaments.