El Salvador’s agricultural sector is experiencing a powerful international sales momentum, driven heavily by its traditional crops. According to the latest report from the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), the nation’s agricultural exports surpassed $151.5 million during the first five months of 2026, marking a remarkable 25% year-on-year growth compared to the same period in 2025.

At the forefront of this export boom, coffee—locally known as the grano de oro (golden grain)—sustained its upward trajectory. Between January and May, coffee exports accumulated over $128.1 million, representing a sharp 37.2% increase that brought an additional $34.7 million into the Salvadoran economy. Growers successfully commercialized more than 299,400 quintals of coffee at an impressive average price of $320.8 per quintal.

The United States has firmly solidified its position as the primary anchor for Salvadoran premium products, leading the consumption of the aromatic bean with purchases exceeding $79.9 million. This robust American demand is mirrored in the sugar sector, where the US also ranked as the top buyer, importing $66.9 million out of the $128.9 million total generated by Salvadoran sugar cane exports so far this year.

Beyond the traditional giants of coffee and sugar, El Salvador’s agricultural portfolio is diversifying with high-potential emerging markets. The cacao sector stole the spotlight by posting an organic 37.4% year-on-year expansion, yielding over $4.2 million in revenue. This growth was mostly propelled by premium chocolate exports to the United States and neighboring Central American trade partners, signaling a bright future for the country’s broader agro-industrial ecosystem.