El Salvador’s coffee sector opened 2026 with extraordinary momentum, as export revenues soared to $28.2 million in January — a 260.5% increase compared to the same month last year. The performance marks the strongest January for Salvadoran coffee exports in the past decade, underscoring renewed international demand for the country’s high-quality beans.

According to official data from the Banco Central de Reserva (BCR), January’s results nearly tripled the previous best January recorded in 2023, when exports reached $10.5 million. By contrast, sales in January 2025 totaled just $7.9 million, highlighting a dramatic year-over-year recovery valued at more than $20 million in additional revenue.

The surge reflects both strong pricing and steady volume. In January alone, 84,800 quintals were exported at an average price of $331.6 per quintal. Industry representatives attribute the rebound to El Salvador’s growing reputation for specialty-grade coffee and consistent flavor profiles sought by international buyers. One exporter noted, “Global buyers are recognizing the distinctive quality of Salvadoran coffee, and that recognition is translating into stronger contracts and better prices.”

The United States remained the leading destination, accounting for $18.6 million in purchases during the month. Belgium followed with $3.1 million, while shipments also reached markets such as Italy, Germany, Japan, Canada, Australia, Finland, France, and South Africa. The broad range of destinations reflects expanding global interest in Salvadoran coffee beyond traditional trade partners.

The strong start to the year positioned coffee as 5% of El Salvador’s total exports in January, reinforcing its role as a strategic agricultural pillar. With global demand holding steady and premium markets paying higher prices, 2026 could shape up to be a defining year for the country’s coffee industry.