Panama and the United States have emerged as the primary engines of economic growth for El Salvador, securing their positions as the top sources of net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) throughout 2025. According to the latest report from the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), the year concluded with a total FDI inflow of $474.83 million. While this represents a transition in the regional financial landscape, it highlights the enduring importance of traditional partners and the rise of neighboring Central American allies in the nation’s development.
Panama surged to the forefront of the investment rankings, claiming the number one spot with a total contribution of $187.93 million. This performance represents a 9.1% increase compared to the previous year, reflecting a deepening integration between the two economies. Financial analysts note that the shift is significant, as Panama moved from being the fourth-largest investor in 2024 to the absolute leader in 2025, providing a stable foundation for El Salvador’s service and logistics sectors.
The United States remains a vital pillar for the Salvadoran economy, ranking as the second-largest source of capital with $96.62 million invested. The presence of American capital continues to be a driving force in various industries. The BCR data underscores that despite global economic fluctuations, the United States maintains its role as a strategic and indispensable partner for El Salvador.
Neighboring Honduras also displayed remarkable growth, solidifying its influence in the Salvadoran financial market. With an investment of $73.1 million, Honduran capital saw a staggering 75.1% increase over the prior year. This surge placed Honduras in the third position of the top five investors, followed closely by Mexico and Colombia, which contributed $39.98 million and $34.73 million respectively. These figures illustrate a trend toward stronger intra-regional investment within Latin America.
The 2025 investment landscape saw a notable shift as European influence, specifically from Spain, experienced a sharp decline. While Spain had been the leading investor in 2024, the BCR reported a negative balance of -$160.04 million in 2025, indicating a higher outflow of capital than inflow. This departure allowed for a more diversified pool of investors, including contributions from Bermuda, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, marking a new chapter in how El Salvador attracts global wealth.