El Salvador maintains its strong presence in international markets, as evidenced by the latest data from the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), which reveals that the country exported $184.2 million worth of sugar from January to November 2023, with a selling price of $21.09 per quintal.

According to BCR reports, raw sugar exports accounted for 3% of the total exports during this period. Among the key destinations for this sweet commodity are Canada, the United States, South Korea, Peru, and Belgium, solidifying El Salvador’s position in the global sugar trade.

Breaking down the figures, BCR highlighted that Canada led the pack by purchasing $72.3 million, representing 39.3% of total sugar exports. The United States followed closely with $42.2 million, comprising 22.9% of the total. Notably, El Salvador has successfully expanded its market reach in recent years, with South Korea accounting for $25.9 million (14.1%), Peru with $13.2 million (7.2%), and Belgium contributing $9.7 million (5.3%).

These five countries collectively absorbed 88.7% of El Salvador’s sugar exports, showcasing the efficiency of the nation’s more than five sugar mills.

Additionally, the broader category of cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form, emerged as a key player in El Salvador’s export portfolio. With a total value of $234.6 million and a growth rate of 3.7%, this product further underscores the nation’s significance in the global sugar market.

Mario Salaverria, President of the Sugar Association of El Salvador (AAES), emphasized that the country maintains a production surplus. Internal consumption stands at 6.2 million quintals annually, constituting 40% of the total output. In contrast, exports reach around 12 million quintals, representing 60% of the production. Salaverria’s remarks reflect the robustness of El Salvador’s sugar industry and its ability to meet both domestic and international demands.

As El Salvador continues to sweeten the global market, its sugar industry remains a vital contributor to the nation’s economic growth and stability. The consistent export figures and market diversification signal a promising trajectory for the country’s sugar sector in the years to come.