El Salvador’s international trade momentum accelerated during the first half of 2026, driven by expanding shipment volumes and sustained regional demand. According to the latest figures from the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), the country generated $3,400.6 million in total exports between January and June—a 4.1% interannual value growthaccompanied by a notable 10.3% increase in volume. Manufacturing led the surge, delivering $2,752.3 million (up 3.5%), anchored primarily by food processing ($654.5 million) and apparel manufacturing ($527.5 million), alongside $452.6 million from the maquila sector.
Despite widespread participation from 2,030 active exporters, official data underscores a pronounced market concentration at the top. A select group of 291 large companies—representing just 14.3% of total exporting firms—generated $3,214.1 million, or 94.5% of overall export earnings. In stark contrast, the remaining 1,739 smaller enterprises collectively accounted for approximately 5.5% of international sales, highlighting a persistent structural gap in the nation’s trade ecosystem.
The United States reinforced its position as a cornerstone buyer, capturing $1,106.1 million in Salvadoran goods across 24.2% of exporting businesses. Concurrently, trade within the Central American Common Market reached $1,636.2 million, anchored by Guatemala ($661.7 million) and Honduras ($525 million). Top-performing export commodities across all destinations included knit t-shirts ($233.1 million), sweaters ($198.7 million), raw sugar ($182.1 million), industrial plastic packaging ($164.6 million), and coffee (~$147 million).
Looking ahead, trade analysts project that El Salvador’s foreign trade performance will hinge heavily on market diversification and expanding high-value manufacturing capabilities. “While robust demand from North America and neighboring partners provides solid top-line expansion, broadening export participation among small-and-medium enterprises remains the key challenge for sustainable long-term development,” noted economic observers reviewing the central bank report.