Builders in Central America united in a demand to eliminate iron and steel product import tariffs, so as to reduce steel prices, which represent about 30 percent of the overall construction cost of housing.
The demand was submitted by negotiators for the Regional Organization for the Construction of Houses of Central America and the Caribbean. The organization said that if their request is granted, imports of steel products would be more feasible, thus increasing competition in the sector and creating benefits for both the industry and final consumers.
The organization fears that steel imports will be kept in a special category in the Association Agreement between Central America and the European Union, which would result in steel imports remaining excluded from any possible tax relief.
Unfortunately, negotiations for the builders' request are currently stalled as the organization's headquarters are located in Honduras, a country undergoing a profound political crisis.