El Salvador and the United States have agreed on a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade aimed at deepening their longstanding economic partnership established under the CAFTA-DR trade pact in 2006.
The new framework highlights El Salvador’s commitment to removing non-tariff barriers, streamlining export approvals for U.S. products, and improving transparency in regulatory practices. The country will also ease restrictions on remanufactured goods, recognize U.S. auto standards, and accept electronic certificates for trade.
In the agricultural sector, El Salvador has pledged to prevent unnecessary barriers to U.S. farm products and to honor existing U.S. regulatory certifications. The agreement also addresses intellectual property protection, ensuring that traditional U.S. cheese and meat terms remain accessible in the Salvadoran market.
On digital trade, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to preventing discriminatory digital taxes and supporting a global moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions. El Salvador also reinforced its obligations to uphold labor rights, environmental protection, and combat illegal logging, mining, and wildlife trade.
“This agreement reflects El Salvador’s determination to strengthen its economy while upholding fair and transparent trade practices,” noted officials from the Ministry of Economy.
In recognition of El Salvador’s efforts, the United States will remove tariffs on certain Salvadoran exports, particularly those not sufficiently produced in the U.S., including select textiles and apparel.
Both nations expect to finalize and sign the agreement in the coming weeks, marking a new stage in bilateral trade cooperation focused on economic growth, environmental sustainability, and shared security interests.