# Nicaragua (NI)

**Capital:** Managua  
**Currency:** Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO) (NIO)  
**Population:** 6,874,700 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 130,373 km²

> Nicaragua is an import-dependent agricultural exporter in Central America with Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The Pacific port of Corinto handles most sea trade; customs clearance runs electronically through SIDUNEA World (DGA). A single VAT of 15 percent applies. Key agreements include DR-CAFTA, the EU-Central America Association Agreement and the Central American Common Market (MCCA/SIECA). There is no rail network; inland transport relies on the Pan-American Highway.

Nicaragua lies in Central America between Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south, with coasts on both the Caribbean and the Pacific. It is a presidential republic with a tropical climate and a pronounced rainy season on the Caribbean side. The economy is dominated by agriculture (coffee, beef, sugar, bananas), complemented by mining and a growing services sector. The country is highly import-dependent for machinery, fuel, consumer goods and food. Its logistical backbone is the Pacific port of Corinto, complemented by Caribbean ports such as Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas) and Bluefields. Customs are administered by the DGA through SIDUNEA World, a single 15 percent VAT (IVA) applies, and the country is integrated through DR-CAFTA, the EU-Central America Association Agreement and the Central American Common Market (MCCA/SIECA). The currency is the córdoba (NIO).

**Top Import Partners:** US, CN, MX, CR, GT

**Top Export Partners:** US, HN, SV, CR, MX

**Top Import Goods:** Mineral oils, Machinery, Vehicles, Electronics, Chemicals

**Top Export Goods:** Coffee, Beef, Sugar, Gold, Tobacco

**Key Airports:**
- [Augusto C. Sandino (Managua) International Airport (MGA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/augusto-c-sandino-managua-international-airport-mga)
- [Bluefields Airport (BEF)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/bluefields-airport-bef)
- [Puerto Cabezas Airport (PUZ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/puerto-cabezas-airport-puz)
- [Alamicamba Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/alamicamba-airport-601)
- [Boaco Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/boaco-airport-3836)
- [Chinandega Germán Pomares Ordóñez Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/chinandega-german-pomares-ordonez-airport-6588)
- [Corn Island Airport (RNI)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/corn-island-airport-rni)
- [Costa Esmeralda Airport (ECI)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/costa-esmeralda-airport-eci)
- [Dos Montes Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/dos-montes-airport-8956)
- [El Coyol Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/el-coyol-airport-33678)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** Uniform IVA rate of 15 percent (Ley 822) on the customs value plus duty and ISC  
**Customs complexity:** medium to high  
**Customs system:** Electronic clearance via SIDUNEA World (ASYCUDA, UNCTAD). Import declaration as DUCA-D (third countries) or DUCA-F (Central America) via Ventanilla Única VUCEN; import duty DAI according to Arancel SAC.  
**Customs authority:** [Dirección General de Servicios Aduaneros (DGA)](https://www.dga.gob.ni)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Import-dependent agricultural exporter and regional transit hub in Central America  
**Economic area:** Central American Common Market (MCCA/SIECA) / DR-CAFTA  
**Logistics risk:** medium to high  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** medium  
**Pharma/cold chain:** medium

## FAQ

### What is the import tax (IVA) in Nicaragua?

Nicaragua levies a uniform IVA of 15 percent. The tax base for imports is the customs value plus duty (DAI) and, where applicable, the excise tax ISC. Basic foodstuffs, medicines and certain goods are exempt. The tax is collected by the DGI.

### Which customs authority is responsible in Nicaragua?

The responsible authority is the Dirección General de Servicios Aduaneros (DGA). Clearance is carried out electronically through the SIDUNEA World system, supplemented by the foreign trade single window VUCEN.

### Which declaration document is used for imports?

For trade with third countries the DUCA-D (Declaración Única Centroamericana) is used, for regional trade with Central America the DUCA-F, and for land transit the DUCA-T. In addition, the commercial invoice, transport document, packing list and proof of origin are required.

### Which free trade agreements apply to Nicaragua?

Nicaragua is part of DR-CAFTA (with the USA, in force since 2006), the EU-Central America Association Agreement (provisionally applied since 1 August 2013) and the Central American Common Market (MCCA/SIECA). In addition, there are bilateral agreements, including with Mexico and Taiwan.

### Which ports are important for foreign trade?

The most important seaport is Corinto on the Pacific coast, which handles most of the container traffic. Puerto Sandino is also important, as are the Caribbean ports of Bilwi (Puerto Cabezas), Bluefields and El Bluff. International air cargo runs through Augusto C. Sandino Airport (MGA) in Managua.

### Are there sanctions affecting trade with Nicaragua?

There is no comprehensive trade embargo. However, the USA (NICA Act, RENACER Act, EO 13851/14088) and the EU impose targeted sanctions against persons and entities; the EU regime was extended until 15 October 2026. Heightened due diligence is especially advisable in the gold sector and with state-linked partners.

### Does Nicaragua have a rail network for freight?

No. Nicaragua has no operating rail network. Domestic transport runs by road, mainly the Pan-American Highway (CA-1), which crosses the country from Honduras in the north to Costa Rica in the south.

### What currency is used in Nicaragua?

The national currency is the Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO). It is linked to the US dollar through a controlled crawling exchange rate; the US dollar is widely used in business transactions.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://www.dga.gob.ni](https://www.dga.gob.ni)
- [https://www.dgi.gob.ni](https://www.dgi.gob.ni)
- [https://www.epn.gob.ni](https://www.epn.gob.ni)
- [https://www.dga.gob.ni/sac01.cfm](https://www.dga.gob.ni/sac01.cfm)
- [https://www.bcn.gob.ni/sites/default/files/2025-08/Nicaragua_en_Cifras_2024.pdf](https://www.bcn.gob.ni/sites/default/files/2025-08/Nicaragua_en_Cifras_2024.pdf)
- [https://datos.bancomundial.org/indicador/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=NI](https://datos.bancomundial.org/indicador/SP.POP.TOTL?locations=NI)
- [https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/nicaragua-trade-agreements](https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/nicaragua-trade-agreements)
- [https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/eu-central-america-association-agreement](https://trade.ec.europa.eu/access-to-markets/en/content/eu-central-america-association-agreement)

*Last verified: 2026-06-26*

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