El Salvador has emerged as the top exporter of creative goods in Central America, a recent study by the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (Sieca) reveals. The report compares the economic capabilities of each country in the region, highlighting El Salvador’s pivotal role in the creative economy.
In 2022, the “orange economy” contributed $148.5 million to El Salvador’s economy, representing a remarkable 46.1% of the total creative exports from the region. This trend mirrors the performance observed in 2021, solidifying El Salvador’s position as the regional leader.
The orange economy, also known as the creative or cultural economy, encompasses activities transforming ideas into cultural and creative goods and services. These hold, or have the potential to hold, value protected by intellectual property rights, particularly copyright.
Despite a slight decline in exports compared to 2021 ($164.3 million), El Salvador maintained its privileged status in the region. Edmundo Landaverde, a Salvadoran specialist in animation, shared insights, emphasizing the stability and enhanced economic benefits that overseas opportunities offer to professionals in the field.
“It’s a good alternative for professionals in the country because the market is abroad. I consider it a positive experience; in my case, almost all of my income comes from providing services outside the country,” Landaverde said.
He also suggested that implementing a direct payment platform between providers and contractors would streamline processes and encourage more individuals to offer services from El Salvador. “Taking advantage of the modernization efforts at the Ministry of Finance would be a good initiative to implement a payment platform,” he added.
In 2022, the region exported services totaling $322.2 million, with design services being the most sought after at 44.8%, followed by crafts at 27%, editing at 19%, new media at 5.1%, audiovisuals at 2.9%, and visual arts at 1.1%.
The interregional exchange of these services accounted for $183.1 million, holding a substantial 56.8% share, followed by the United States with $106.5 million and a 33% share. The European Union exhibited significant growth, with demand increasing by 59.1% from 2021 to 2022, securing a 3% share with $9.6 million.
El Salvador’s leadership in the export of creative goods underscores the thriving potential of the country’s orange economy on the global stage, offering opportunities for growth and economic advancement in the creative sector.