El Salvador and Peru are making steady progress toward establishing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), after concluding their second round of negotiations in Lima at the end of May 2025. The first round was held in San Salvador in March, marking a significant step in deepening bilateral commercial relations between the two nations.

Peru’s ambassador in El Salvador, Jorge Rosado, emphasized the mutual commitment shown during the talks. “I understand that 70% of the negotiation is already done, and what remains are the more complex topics such as rules of origin and market access,” he said. “But the spirit is the most positive I’ve seen in any negotiation. Both countries are engaged in a shared vision to conclude the process as soon as possible.”

According to Rosado, between four and five rounds of negotiations are expected in total, and there is optimism that the agreement could be signed as early as October or November this year.

This FTA with Peru is just one of several international trade efforts currently pursued by El Salvador. The country is also engaged in discussions to join the South American Common Market (Mercosur) and is negotiating a separate agreement with China.

Silvia Cuéllar, president of El Salvador’s Exporters Corporation (Coexport), underscored the importance of expanding trade ties. “Current global conditions show that strengthening relationships with other nations is the best strategy to minimize potential disruptions,” she noted.

These efforts reflect El Salvador’s broader ambition to integrate more actively into the global economy and enhance opportunities for its exporters in emerging and established markets alike.