Acajutla Port El Salvador.
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR) reports that Salvadoran exports have increased by 3.3% in 2026, despite broader global economic uncertainty.
Thus far this year, Salvadoran companies have exported goods worth $1.1 billion, up $34.3 million from the same period last year.
In February 2026, El Salvador exported $521.4 million—a 1.8% decrease from the same month last year, or $9.4 million less.
| 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 | ||
| 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 | 1.1 | 3.3% *YTD |
As of February 2026, exports from the agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing sectors grew by 83.6% representing an increase of $29.3 million compared to the same period last year.
Also, coffee exports—one of El Salvador’s most recognized products—have increased by 137.6% so far in 2026, with the country exporting $31.5 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 $379.4 million have been shipped to the United States, accounting for 35.1% of the country’s total exports.
According to the Central Reserve Bank(BCR), exports to the U.S. grew by 8.4% between January and February 2026—an increase of $29.5 million compared to the same period last year.
Guatemala is the second-largest destination for Salvadoran products, with exports totaling $208.3 million this year, accounting for 19.3% of total exports. Compared to 2025, exports to Guatemala have increased by $5.3 million, representing a 2.6% increment.
| Country | Exports (Millions) | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 379.4 | 35.1% |
| 2 | Guatemala | 208.3 | 19.3% |
| 3 | Honduras | 169.2 | 15.7% |
| 4 | Nicaragua | 91.9 | 8.5% |
| 5 | Costa Rica | 51.8 | 4.8% |
Central America is the leading destination region for Salvadoran exports. Thus far, the country has exported $541.5 million to other Central American nations, making up 50.1% of total exports.
Imports and Trade Deficit
So far this year, El Salvador has imported $2.7 billion in goods, resulting in a trade deficit of $1.6 billion.
The United States remains El Salvador’s top import source, accounting for $655.9 million (24.1%), followed by China with $603.8 million (22.2%) and Guatemala with $272.1 million (10.0%).
El Salvador faces a massive trade deficit, highlighting the need for greater export growth and trade balance improvements.
