El Salvador has become the first country in the Western Hemisphere to sign an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade with the United States, marking a new chapter in bilateral economic relations and reinforcing the country’s strategic role in the region.
The agreement was signed by United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and El Salvador’s Minister of Economy María Luisa Hayem. According to U.S. officials, the framework builds on the long-standing trade relationship between both nations, including the Dominican Republic–Central America–United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), which has been in force since 2006.
“Today’s signing of the first Agreement on Reciprocal Trade in the Western Hemisphere will further strengthen markets for U.S. exports and lower trade barriers facing American workers and producers,” said Ambassador Greer, adding that the agreement deepens strategic partnerships in Latin America and recognizes critical supply chain linkages.
Under the framework, El Salvador committed to reducing non-tariff barriers, streamlining regulatory processes, and improving market access for U.S. exports, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, agricultural products, and digital services. The agreement also includes commitments on labor rights, environmental protection, intellectual property, and transparency, while reinforcing cooperation on supply chain resilience and national security.
In recognition of these commitments, the United States will remove reciprocal tariffs on certain Salvadoran exports and may take the agreement into account in future trade actions. Both governments expect to finalize and bring the agreement into force in the coming weeks, further strengthening economic cooperation between El Salvador and the United States.