On 18 July 2019, the United Kingdom and the Central American states sign the Association Agreement — the instrument that “rolls over” trade preferences from the EU–Central America deal after Brexit.

The agreement covers Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, with tariff liberalisation, services and political dialogue, preserving UK market access for regional exporters.

Negotiated as part of the UK strategy to replicate EU agreements, it ensures trade continuity after leaving the European customs union.

Entry into force depended on bilateral ratifications; it remains a pillar of UK–Central America relations post-Brexit.

For British trade diplomacy, 18 July 2019 marks the signing of the association agreement with Central America.

The official text is on GOV.UK / UK treaties.

The Central America–United Kingdom Association Agreement of 18 July 2019 remains the framework for post-Brexit trade with the region.

Image: UK / Central America; Wikimedia Commons. Cropped to 16:9.

Source consulted: Central America-United Kingdom Association Agreement. Treaty text: UK-Central America Association Agreement (GOV.UK).