These Are El Salvador’s Top Five Export Products as of June 2026

El Salvador’s five leading export products during the first half of 2026 were T-shirts, sweaters, sugar, plastics, and coffee. They accounted for a significant share of the country’s overseas sales.

According to data from the Salvadoran Central Reserve Bank (BCR), the country’s exports reached $3.40 billion between January and June 2026—an increase of $134.9 million compared with the same period in 2025.

The figure shows a year-over-year growth of 4.1%, indicating an increase in export revenues during the first half of 2026, driven by manufactured goods and some traditional agricultural products of the country.

Through June, El Salvador’s leading export remained Knitted T-shirts. The country shipped $233.10 million worth of products during the period, equivalent to approximately 6.9% of the country’s total merchandise exports.

According to the Central Reserve Bank, T-shirt exports declined by 11.2% compared with the previous year, despite maintaining their dominant position within the apparel and maquila industry.

Sweaters, pullovers, and vests ranked among the country’s other major exports, generating more than $198.7 million through June. These products accounted for approximately 5.8% of El Salvador’s total exports.

Unlike T-shirts, exports of sweaters, pullovers, and similar garments recorded substantial growth during the first half of the year, increasing by 14.6% compared with the corresponding period a year earlier.

Sugar remained one of El Salvador’s most important agricultural exports, alongside coffee.

Through June, sugar exports generated approximately $182.07 million, according to the BCR. That amount represented 5.4% of the country’s export basket and marked year-over-year growth of 24.4%.

Performance in the sugar industry is heavily influenced by the harvest season, which generally extends from November through April.

In fifth place on the BCR list, coffee ranks, whose exports totaled $148.95 million. This represents 4.3% of the total and maintains double-digit growth of 25.9%.

Salvadoran exports increased through June 2026, providing a much-needed boost to the national economy by generating additional income.

However, the country still faces significant challenges. El Salvador has a large trade deficit, as the value of imported goods far exceeds that of its exports.