After reaching unprecedented levels during the early 2020s, El Salvador’s imports of firearms, ammunition, and related accessories have experienced a sharp decline. According to the latest data from the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), these imports fell by 86 percent over the last two years. This shift follows a period of intense activity in 2022 and 2023, when the country recorded its highest purchase volumes in three decades.

Historical records show that 2022 was a landmark year for the industry, with imports totaling $15.8 million. This trend continued into 2023 with $10 million in purchases, figures that surpassed the previous 2017 peak of $9.4 million. However, the momentum shifted abruptly in 2024 as the value of these imports dropped to $3.2 million, eventually bottoming out at $2.1 million by the end of 2025.

The United States continues to be the primary partner in this sector, serving as the leading supplier with a total of $61.4 million in trade since 1994. Israel follows as the second largest provider, contributing $19.2 million over the same thirty-year period. Other notable contributors to the Salvadoran market include Brazil, the Czech Republic, Italy, and China, reflecting a diverse international supply chain despite the recent cooling of the market.

Early indicators for the current year suggest that the downward trend is stabilizing at these lower levels. During the first two months of 2026, the BCR reported only $274,483 in weapon-related imports. While the sudden spike in 2022 remains a statistical outlier in the country’s modern history, the current data reflects a return to much more conservative spending patterns.

Local analysts have kept a close eye on these fluctuations to understand the broader implications for the region. The drastic reduction from fifteen million dollars to just over two million represents a significant shift in trade priorities, noted a trade observer regarding the 86 percent drop. As the year progresses, it remains to be seen if the market will maintain this trajectory or see a renewed interest from private or public sectors.