El Salvador experienced a significant increase in remittance inflows during the first two months of 2025, with a total of $1,406.4 million received. This represents a 14.2% growth compared to the same period in 2024, when remittances amounted to $1,231.3 million. The additional $175.1 million injected into the economy underscores the growing reliance of Salvadoran households on foreign transfers.
According to data from the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), remittances in January totaled $677.1 million, while February saw a further increase to $729.3 million. The average monthly remittance for this period reached $349.6 million.
The United States remained the primary source of remittances, contributing 92.6% of the total, equivalent to $1.303 billion. This marks a 15.5% increase from the previous year. Other countries with notable contributions included Canada ($12.7 million), Spain ($9.2 million), Italy ($8.7 million), and Mexico ($1.9 million).
These funds were transferred through 1.9 million transactions, with 55.8% processed by remittance companies, 40% through banking institutions, 3.8% in cash, 0.3% via digital cryptocurrency wallets, and 0.2% through mobile phone top-ups.
Among the country’s departments, San Salvador received the highest remittance inflows, totaling $267.5 million, followed by San Miguel ($158.4 million), La Libertad ($122.3 million), Santa Ana ($111.1 million), and Usulután ($103.3 million). Cuscatlán registered the lowest amount, with $40.9 million.
The BCR also reported that $22.5 million of these remittances were allocated to investment, while the majority was used for consumption, reflecting their crucial role in sustaining Salvadoran households and the national economy.
