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El Salvador’s imports of goods reached US$1,741.55 million in may 2016, representing a 14.8% increase compared to april, when they totaled US$1,516.90 million, according to data from the Banco Central de Reserva (BCR).
The manufacturing sector was the main driver of monthly growth. Its imports rose from US$1,395.94 million in april to US$1,588.42 million in may, equivalent to a 13.8% increase, consolidating its position as the largest sector within the country’s purchases.
The second fastest-growing sector was Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, and Fishing, which increased by 10.7%, rising from US$76.23 million to US$84.39 million.
Mining and quarrying also saw a significant increase, with imports rising from US$1.51 million to US$24.30 million, a growth of 1,510.6%, although on a reduced comparison base.
Meanwhile, the maquila manufacturing industry increased by 4.3%, rising from US$34.98 million in april to US$36.49 million in may.
Within the maquila sector, knitwear registered an increase of 15.2%, rising from US$10.34 million to US$11.91 million.
Sectors that declined
Between april and may, some sectors showed declines. The supply of electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning fell by 6.5%, from US$1.70 million to US$1.59 million.
Likewise, wholesale and retail trade; Repairs to motor vehicles and motorcycles decreased by 2.0%, falling from US$6.49 million to US$6.36 million.
Maquila (assembly of other products) also declined, dropping from US$16.56 million to US$16.19 million, a decrease of 2.2%.
According to figures from the BCR no sector registered a 0.0% change, meaning no sector remained completely stable during the period.
Comparison with may 2025
Year-on-year, imports also showed growth. In may 2026, they reached US$1,741.55 million, compared to US$1,549.83 million in may 2025, representing a 12.4% increase.
The manufacturing industry maintained its leading position, increasing by 13.1%, from US$1,408.98 million to US$1,588.42 million.
The agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing sector registered a 32.8% growth, rising from US$63.49 million to US$84.39 million.
Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles also showed a 62.4% increase, rising from US$3.91 million to US$6.36 million.
Meanwhile, the supply of electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning increased by 7.4%, rising from US$1.48 million to US$1.59 million.
In contrast, mining and quarrying saw a decrease of 13.8%, falling from US$28.21 million in may 2025 to US$24.30 million in may 2026.
Similarly, the maquila manufacturing industry experienced a year-on-year decline of 16.6%, decreasing from US$43.76 million to US$36.49 million.
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