A. M. The Banco Central de Reserva (BCR) reported that salvadoran imports totaled US$4.241 billion between january and march 2025, representing a 12.7% increase compared to the same period last year, when US$3.762 billion was reported. This increase is equivalent to an additional US$478.9 million.
By month, imports were distributed as follows: January with US$1.447 billion, february with US$1.315 billion, and march with US$1.477 billion, reflecting a stable and upward trend in demand for goods from abroad.
The report details that, although the maquiladora sector experienced a 17.8% contraction in imports during the quarter, other categories showed more dynamic performance. Consumer goods increased by 15.5%, intermediate goods by 11.6%, and capital goods by 14.2%, reflecting increased economic activity and demand across various productive sectors.
This trend in imports may be linked to an economic recovery and higher expectations for investment and consumption in the country. The growth in capital goods, for example, suggests that companies are investing in modernizing or expanding their operating capacity.
The dynamism of imports also poses a challenge to the country’s trade balance, although it can be interpreted as a sign of sustained economic recovery. Authorities should continue monitoring the performance of foreign trade to maintain macroeconomic equilibrium.
