A. M. 
The Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador (BCR) informed that accumulated exports between january and november 2024 reached a total of US$5,997.9 million, which represents a decrease of 0.8% compared to the same period of 2023. This decline is equivalent to US$51.1 million, reflecting the challenges faced by the export sector during the year. However, an increase in demand in recent months has helped to cushion the negative impact.
In november 2024, exports showed a year-on-year growth of 10.4%, reaching US$555.4 million, compared to the US$503.2 million recorded in the same month of the previous year. This rebound is mainly attributed to the season prior to the year-end holidays, when commercial activity tends to intensify. This positive performance helped to partially reduce the accumulated contraction for the year.
The volume of exported goods also registered a 2.8% increase in the january-november period, with more than 3,262.3 million kilograms exported. However, despite this increase in volume, the total value of exports reflects a return to levels comparable to those of 2021, a year marked by economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manufacturing continues to lead the country’s exports, generating US$475.67 million in november. Other sectors, such as sugar cane, coffee and maquila products, also contributed to revenues with US$3.53 million, US$3.87 million and US$68.3 million respectively. Apparel contributed US$38.2 million, standing out among the products with the highest demand.
In conclusion, although El Salvador’s exports closed november with a slight cumulative contraction, the data for the month show encouraging signs for the sector. The rebound in demand and the increase in the volume exported are positive indicators that could mark a gradual recovery in the coming months, provided that global and local conditions are favorable.
