El Salvador is set to advance its border integration efforts with Guatemala, as the two countries prepare to unify customs operations at the Anguiatú and La Hachadura border posts. This move follows the successful launch of the integrated border post model at El Amatillo, inaugurated in December 2023.
On August 14, officials from both nations met to establish a clear roadmap for integrating customs and border services at the Anguiatú and La Hachadura posts. Minister of Economy Maria Luisa Hayem announced that, under the new model, services including migration, customs, phytosanitary checks, and security will be streamlined into single establishments, reducing processing time and transport costs.
Guatemala’s government highlighted that the initiative will involve significant infrastructure improvements, supported by the CAF (Development Bank of Latin America). This modernization aims to facilitate smoother cross-border trade and strengthen economic ties.
El Salvador’s Central Reserve Bank (BCR) reports that Guatemala is its top trading partner in Central America. In the first half of the year, Salvadoran exports to Guatemala totaled $608.8 million, while imports reached $761.2 million. The Anguiatú post alone handles 5% of this trade, which amounts to approximately $3 billion annually and represents 16% of all border operations between the two countries.
Minister Hayem expressed optimism about the rapid progress of this initiative, anticipating that the integrated posts will be fully operational by the end of the year. This development marks a significant step in the ongoing customs union process that began with Guatemala and Honduras in 2017, with El Salvador joining the following year.
The integration aims not only to enhance trade efficiency but also to foster stronger economic cooperation between the neighboring countries.