Diesel and gasoline are the main import products in Bolivia. In 2019, the import of diesel reached a new record totaling $992 million, the main suppliers being Argentina with a 31% partition, followed by Chile with 27% and Switzerland with 13%. The import of gasoline reached a new record with $563 mn dollars, having as main countries of origin Argentina with a share of the total of 28%, Russia with 11% and Singapore with 10%.
In six years, the Tupac Katari satellite (TKSAT-1) covered just 25% of the credit the state obtained for its construction and implementation: $44.3 million is from the Nation’s General Treasury and $251.1 million is Chinese credit. The final cost was $302 million. It currently operates at 66% capacity. The Bolivian Space Agency (ABE) noted that the revenue generated by the satellite was $102.2 million and that the company has an economic deficit, so it is started an audit.
The Ministry of Hydrocarbons ruled out moving or closing the ammonia and urea plant, a transfer of the plant would represent severe economic damage to the state, costing $400 to $500 million. The plant provides work to 450 people, so it is proposed that it re-enter into operation to supply the domestic market and resume exports to markets with signed sales contracts.
The Bolivian Highway Administrator (ABC) reported that the State Attorney General’s Office (PGE) is willing to assist in the legal defence of 13 contentious processes with construction companies and consultants. The economic damage to the state is $30.3 million, due to administrative negligence in four projects: San Buenaventura-Ixiamas; Santa Barbara Caranavi-Quiquibey; Huarina-Tiquina; and Quiquibey-Yucumo.
The economic plan for forestry aims to rebound production in the next five years, from 1.3 to 5 million cubic meters, increase from 90,000 to 419,000 jobs, generate an economic movement of $450 million in the domestic market and $1.2 billion in the external market, thus increasing its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 0.7% to 4%.
The Ministry of Productive Development is driving new opportunities for Bolivian exporters and seeks to open up markets in Europe and the United States, building on new trade agreements. Currently, Bolivia exports 345 products of more than 5,000 possibilities to the European Union and the situation is similar to the United States. Exportable products would be derivatives of camelids, quinoa, Amazonian fruits, wine products and non-metallic minerals.
Bolivia’s President Jeanine Añez stressed that soybeans account for 9% of Bolivia’s total exports, which translates into more than $800 million annually, 44% of non-traditional exports. She added that the Soybean sector generates 120,000 direct and indirect jobs in the country.
A $50 million trust has been created to support the forestry sector in Bolivia. The Government and the Bolivian Forestry Chamber (CFB) signed a cooperation agreement to allow the forestry sector to access international markets. The project contemplates $12 million for international customers of timber producers, under the modality of credit, with low interest during the next five years.
Argentina owes three invoices for the purchase of Bolivian natural gas, according to sources close to the Government. According to estimates by the consultancy Gas Energy Latin America (GELA), the amount to be paid reaches $246 million.
The National Tax Service (SIN) reported that tax collections in January of this year grew 2.8%, compared to the same month in 2019, reaching $388 million. According to the SIN, the increase was the recovery of sectors such as hydrocarbons and mining.
