El Salvador is rapidly transforming the Port of La Unión into a key logistics hub for vehicle imports and construction materials, according to statements by Luis Canto, general manager of the Pacific Port Union, during an interview on a radio program. The reactivation of La Unión marks a major shift after years of limited activity. “Last year only one ship arrived at La Unión. This year we have already received more than 70,” Canto said.
He explained that the growth has been driven primarily by the automotive sector, as all vehicle imports for El Salvador have now been redirected through La Unión. “What we have today is an automotive hub. Vehicles arrive in La Unión and from there are distributed across El Salvador and into other Central American countries,” he added. The improved efficiency has encouraged private companies to establish new distribution centers near the port.
Beyond vehicles, La Unión has also become a strategic entry point for fertilizers that supply agricultural producers in El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, a new agreement has been signed to bring weekly shipments of construction materials. “On December 24, the first ship will arrive with cement. This construction boom in the eastern region is entering through this port,” Canto stated.
The reactivation of La Unión is part of a broader national port modernization strategy led by the Government of President Nayib Bukele in partnership with Turkey’s Yilport Holding. The mixed-economy partnership represents the largest infrastructure investment in the country’s history, totaling $1.615 billion, and aims to turn El Salvador into a regional logistics and trade platform.
With increased traffic, diversified cargo, and new commercial activity, the Port of La Unión is now positioned as a critical engine for economic growth in eastern El Salvador and a strategic gateway for Central American trade.