WILLEMSTAD - Juan Gotopo, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism of La Vela, Venezuela, has provided a detailed overview of the trade relations between La Vela and the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba and Curaçao. 

In the first year of exchange, significant peaks were observed in September and October from the artisanal dock of La Vela, with exports reaching 590 and 555 tons, respectively. However, January 2024 saw a considerable decline, with exports plummeting to just 90 tons, primarily consisting of fruits and vegetables. 

“In May 2023, activities resumed after the reopening of the maritime border with an initial export of 115 tons. This figure doubled to 310 tons in June, dipped slightly to 275 tons in July, and then recovered to 340 tons in August,” Gotopo explained. He confirmed that September recorded the highest peak in the past 12 months. 

"Following this peak, there was a decline in October to 555 tons, followed by further drops to 285 tons in November, 135 tons in December, and reaching a low of 90 tons in January 2024," he added. 

Despite these fluctuations, Gotopo assured that exporters remain committed to the binational economic activity, with the market in the islands beginning to recover. “In February, exports doubled to 180 tons, increased slightly to 210 tons in March, dropped to 175 tons in April, and began to recover in May with 315 tons.” He noted that June saw an export of 470 tons, indicating an encouraging trend for the upcoming months. 

Ongoing Demand from Aruba and Curaçao 

Gotopo highlighted a 49.20% increase in exports in June compared to the previous year, with 315 tons in 2023 rising to 470 tons in 2024. According to the Chamber's statistics, a total of 4,045 tons of various products were traded over the year, including fruits, vegetables, plants, fertilizer, pots, charcoal, construction materials, and confectionery. 

"Of these 4,045 tons, 92.21% were destined for Curaçao, amounting to 3,730 tons, and 7.78% for Aruba, totaling 315 tons," Gotopo said. He also pointed out that in the first half of 2024, 1,435 tons were traded, with 1,260 tons going to Curaçao (87.80%) and 175 tons to Aruba (12.19%). 

Gotopo's report underscores the dynamic nature of the trade relations between La Vela and the Dutch Caribbean islands, highlighting both challenges and recovery efforts in the market.