Acajutla Port El Salvador.
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR) reports that Salvadoran exports have increased by 3.6% in 2026, despite broader global economic uncertainty.
Thus far this year, Salvadoran companies have exported goods worth $1.7 billion, up $58.3 million from the same period last year.
In March 2026, El Salvador exported $582.6 million—a 4.3% increase from the same month last year, or $24 million more.
| 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Change Same Month a Year Ago |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 522.6 | 531.1 | 515.8 | 559.4 | 43.7 (8.5%) |
| February | 582.9 | 506.7 | 530.8 | 521.4 | -9.4 (-1.8%) |
| March | 683.7 | 506.8 | 558.6 | 582.6 | 24.0 (4.3%) |
| April | 471.5 | 584.9 | 534.9 | ||
| May | 589.7 | 565.0 | 585.1 | ||
| June | 588.9 | 501.3 | 540.7 | ||
| July | 568.7 | 561.9 | 600.2 | ||
| August | 539.6 | 519.8 | 523.8 | ||
| September | 502.4 | 519.2 | 521.1 | ||
| October | 495.8 | 555.1 | 541.2 | ||
| November | 503.2 | 529.9 | 510.8 | ||
| December | 449.1 | 429.9 | 465.8 | ||
| Total Billions | 6.5 | 6.3 | 6.4 | 1.7 | 3.6% *YTD |
As of March, exports from the agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing sectors have grown by 42.1% representing an increase of $28.1 million compared to the same period last year.
Also, coffee exports—one of El Salvador’s most recognized products—have increased by 61.2% so far in 2026, with the country exporting $30.2 million more than during the same period last year.
Exports Destinations
The United States remains the primary destination for Salvadoran exports. This year, Salvadoran products worth $563.7 million have been shipped to the United States, accounting for 33.9% of the country’s total exports.
According to the Central Reserve Bank(BCR), exports to the U.S. grew by 8% between January and March 2026—an increase of $41.6 million compared to the same period last year.
Guatemala is the second-largest destination for Salvadoran products, with exports totaling $325.6 million this year, accounting for 19.6% of total exports. Compared to 2025, exports to Guatemala have increased by $11.3 million, representing a 3.6% increment.
| Country | Exports (Millions) | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 563.7 | 33.9% |
| 2 | Guatemala | 325.6 | 19.6% |
| 3 | Honduras | 262.2 | 15.8% |
| 4 | Nicaragua | 145.1 | 8.7% |
| 5 | Costa Rica | 76.1 | 4.6% |
Central America is the leading destination region for Salvadoran exports. Thus far, the country has exported $840.4 million to other Central American nations, making up 50.5% of total exports.
Imports and Trade Deficit
So far this year, El Salvador has imported $4.4 billion in goods, resulting in a trade deficit of $2.8 billion.
The United States remains El Salvador’s top import source, accounting for $1.1 billion (25.3%), followed by China with $960.4 million (21.7%) and Guatemala with $428.0 million (9.7%).
El Salvador faces a massive trade deficit, highlighting the need for greater export growth and trade balance improvements.
