The latest report from the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists (ASI) reveals that the manufacturing sector contributed 12.2% to El Salvador’s gross domestic product (GDP), reaffirming its importance as one of the country’s most dynamic economic activities.

According to the report, the industrial GDP reached $2.2 billion in the analyzed period, marking a 0.1% increase compared to last year. “It is important to highlight that despite the vulnerability of the global economy, El Salvador has moved forward. We are pleased to report that in the first half of 2025, the industry showed a 0.1% growth,” said Karla Domínguez, ASI’s Manager of Industrial Intelligence.

Domínguez emphasized that this growth is particularly significant after three years of contraction in the sector. “Seeing signs of recovery this year is very encouraging. It shows that the industry is reaching for new markets and products, a joint effort that also depends on the public sector and academia,” she added.

Industrial exports reached $4.39 billion as of August 2025, a 6.2% increase or $256.5 million more than the same period in 2024. The sector’s trade volume totaled 2.53 billion kilograms, up by 5.2%. Overall, industrial exports accounted for 95.5% of the country’s total exports.

“Our annual goal is to grow by 8%, and if this pace continues, we will likely meet that target,” Domínguez noted. “The best period for the industrial sector is coming with events like Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Christmas for those who do business with the United States.”

As of January 2025, the industry generated 235,098 formal jobs, further underscoring its role as a cornerstone of El Salvador’s economic recovery.