El Salvador has witnessed a notable increase in food exports, with a growth of 12.4% recorded between January and August 2024, according to the Corporation of Exporters of El Salvador (Coexport). This boost translates to $441 million in food product shipments, marking an increase of $49 million from the same period last year, when exports totaled $392 million.

Silvia Cuéllar, president of Coexport, highlighted that food exports now account for 9% of El Salvador’s total exports, which reached over $4.3 billion as of August. «This year, we have exported around $450 million, showing robust growth compared to last year’s figures,» Cuéllar remarked during a recent food export forum.

Key markets for Salvadoran food products include Guatemala, Honduras, and the United States, with additional buyers in Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Belize. The increase in food exports is attributed to a shift in international market priorities, where customers are seeking more selective and nostalgic products, especially in the U.S., home to a significant Salvadoran diaspora.

Coexport reports that by the end of 2024, the food export sector is expected to reach $600 million, driven by increasing demand from the U.S. and Central America. In broader terms, Coexport anticipates that total exports of goods will reach $6.9 billion, with combined goods and services exports projected to amount to $11-12 billion by year’s end.

Despite these positive developments in the food sector, Coexport noted that overall export volumes increased by only 1.2% while the value declined by 5%, suggesting challenges in maintaining high prices in the international market. The textile sector remains a key player, representing over 20% of total exports, even as it experiences a gradual decline.

As the Salvadoran economy adapts to changing market dynamics, Coexport remains optimistic about the future of its export sectors.