Export growth driven by food, apparel, and manufacturing sectors
El Salvador’s export sector reported solid growth in early 2025, reaching a total of $2.238 billion between January and April, according to the latest report by the Central Reserve Bank (BCR). This figure marks a 5% increase compared to the same period in 2024, when $2.131 billion was recorded, generating $106.7 million in additional revenue.
The United States remained the country’s leading trading partner, accounting for $698.7 million in purchases — or 31.2% of total exports. Central America and the Dominican Republic collectively represented 55.3% of total export sales, contributing more than $1.236 billion to the national economy.
Key regional trade partners included:
- Guatemala: $476.3 million
- Honduras: $375.1 million
- Nicaragua: $200.9 million
- Costa Rica: $104 million
- Panama: $41.1 million
- Dominican Republic: $39.3 million
The most dynamic sectors in international sales were food ($326.1 million), apparel ($353.7 million), manufacturing ($236.8 million), plastics ($196.7 million), and textile products ($135.4 million). Leading products included T-shirts, sweaters, sugar, plastic goods, and coffee.
The BCR also noted that 1,769 exporters were active during this four-month period, reflecting strong national engagement in global markets.
Imports Reach $5.7 Billion by April 2025
In parallel, imports totaled $5.708 billion, with top sources being the United States, the People’s Republic of China, Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. Primary imported products included petroleum oil, medicines, petroleum gas, telephones, and passenger cars.
This report highlights El Salvador’s continued integration into global trade, with notable resilience and performance across key industrial and agricultural sectors.
