Nicaragua poultry industry rejects reducing import tariffs

Nicaragua's poultry sector has rejected the idea of reducing poultry prices through the elimination of import tariffs, an idea suggested by the U.S. government in late April, according to Nicaragua Minister of Commerce Orlando Solórzano.
Alfonso Valerio, president of the Association of Small and Medium Poultry Producers of Nicaragua, said it is necessary to find a way to increase poultry in the international market without affecting Nicaraguan producers. He has requested a negotiation between the government and the poultry industry leaders to find a way to avoid the importation of poultry products. "The massive importation of chicken is not going to solve the problem, because production costs are increased for the poultry industry," said Valerio, referring to the rising international prices of raw materials for animal feed.
Nicaragua's poultry industry contributes 3% to the country’s GDP.