El Salvador’s export sector showed robust growth in the first quarter of 2025, registering an 8.8% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to the latest report from the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). The country exported $1.681 billion worth of goods between January and March, up from $1.545 billion in Q1 2024—an additional $136.8 million.

The United States remains El Salvador’s top export destination, purchasing $522.5 million in goods, which accounts for 31.1% of total exports. Regional partners also played a significant role: Central America and the Dominican Republic collectively accounted for 70.8% of total shipments, with Guatemala ($358M), Honduras ($282.8M), Nicaragua ($152.8M), Costa Rica ($78.5M), Panama ($31.3M), and the Dominican Republic ($29.1M) making up the bulk of regional trade.

The food industry led sectoral growth with $328.5 million in exports, followed by apparel manufacturing ($265.6M), general manufacturing ($176M), rubber and plastic products ($147.2M), and textile manufacturing ($105.8M).

T-shirts and knitted tops were the most exported items, generating $130.2 million, followed by sweaters ($82.8M), sugarcane ($80.7M), plastic products ($80.2M), and toilet paper ($51.9M). Other significant exports included non-alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, hosiery, electrical capacitors, and coffee. These sales were made possible through the operations of 1,384 Salvadoran companies exporting to more than 50 countries worldwide.

Imports Remain Strong Amid Growing Demand

On the import side, El Salvador recorded purchases totaling $4.241 billion in Q1 2025. The main suppliers included the United States, China, Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. Key imports included hydrocarbons, petroleum products, medicines, telecommunication devices, and vehicles for both personal and public transportation.

In terms of classification, $1.757 billion of imports were consumer goods, $1.640 billion were intermediate goods, $749 million were capital goods, and $94.3 million were maquila-related.

El Salvador’s expanding trade figures reflect continued momentum in its economic diversification and export strategy, positioning the country as a growing player in regional and global markets.