Remittances to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras rose sharply in 2025, totaling $47.7 billion, a 20.12% increase from the previous year, according to data released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The figure exceeded the $39.7 billion recorded in 2024 by nearly $8 billion, underscoring the growing economic reliance of Northern Triangle nations on remittances from migrants working abroad. On average, the three countries received $4.0 billion per month throughout 2025.
July recorded the highest monthly inflow at $4.4 billion, followed by December with $4.3 billion and October with $4.3 billion. These figures highlight seasonal spikes tied to holidays.
Guatemala received the largest share of remittances at $25.5 billion, or 53.5% of the total. In comparison, Honduras obtained $12.2 billion, or 25.6%, and El Salvador $10.0 billion, or 20.9%.
Honduras posted the fastest annual growth in remittances at 25.3%, followed by Guatemala at 18.7% and El Salvador at 17.8%, signaling uneven expansion across the region’s migrant-dependent economies.
In El Salvador, most remittances originate from the United States, home to more than 2 million Salvadorans.
Remittances to El Salvador
Remittances are a lifeline in El Salvador, helping millions of families pay for food, rent, health care, and school. For many households, money from relatives abroad is what keeps daily life moving.
These transfers bring in more money than the country earns from exports, underscoring the importance of migrants to the economy. The cash flows straight into local businesses and neighborhood spending.
For many families, remittances aren’t extra money—they’re survival. They help cover groceries, bills, and basic home repairs, especially where stable jobs are hard to find.
At a higher level, remittances stabilize the economy, support consumer spending, and bring in foreign currency. But relying on them also means El Salvador is vulnerable to economic or immigration changes overseas.
