El Puerto de Acajutla
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador (BCR) reports that Salvadoran exports have increased by 3.2% in 2026.
Thus far this year, Salvadoran companies have exported goods worth $4.5 billion, up $139.7 million from the same period last year.
In August 2026, El Salvador exported $492.6 million—a 6.0% decrease from the same month last year, or $31.2 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 | 582.6 | 24.0 (4.3%) |
| April | 471.5 | 584.9 | 534.9 | 584.4 | 49.5 (9.3%) |
| May | 589.7 | 565.0 | 585.1 | 555.6 | -29.4 (-5%) |
| June | 588.9 | 501.3 | 540.7 | 597.2 | 56.5 (10.5%) |
| July | 568.7 | 561.9 | 600.2 | 636.1 | 36.0 (6.0%) |
| August | 539.6 | 519.8 | 523.8 | 492.6 | -31.2 (-6.0%) |
| 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 | 4.5 | 3.2% *YTD |
As of August, exports from the agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing sectors have grown by 10.7% representing an increase of $20.5 million compared to the same period last year.
Also, coffee exports—one of El Salvador’s most recognized products—have increased by 17.6% so far in 2026, with the country exporting $26.4 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 $1.5 billion have been shipped to the United States, accounting for 32.6% of the country’s total exports.
According to the Central Reserve Bank(BCR), exports to the U.S. grew by 2.4% between January and August 2026—an increase of $34.0 million compared to the same period last year.
Guatemala is the second-largest destination for Salvadoran products, with exports totaling $896.6 million this year, accounting for 19.6% of total exports. Compared to 2025, exports to Guatemala have increased by $48.2 million, representing a 5.7% increment.
| Country | Exports (Millions) | Percentage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 1477.7 | 32.6% |
| 2 | Guatemala | 896.6 | 19.6% |
| 3 | Honduras | 708.3 | 15.6% |
| 4 | Nicaragua | 400.8 | 8.8% |
| 5 | Costa Rica | 201.9 | 4.5% |
Central America is the leading destination region for Salvadoran exports. Thus far, the country has exported $2.3 billion to other Central American nations, making up 50.4% of total exports.
Imports and Trade Deficit
So far this year, El Salvador has imported $12.8 billion in goods, resulting in a trade deficit of $8.3 billion.
The United States remains El Salvador’s top import source, accounting for $3.5 billion (27.5%), followed by China with $2.5 billion (19.7%) and Guatemala with $1.2 billion (9.2%).
El Salvador faces a massive trade deficit, highlighting the need for greater export growth and trade balance improvements.
