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Salvadoran exports are maintaining a positive trend throughout 2026, registering average growth of 2.9% in value and 7% in volume, reported Silvia Cuéllar, president of the Corporación de Exportadores de El Salvador (COEXPORT). The sector representative emphasized that, so far, every month of the year has shown an increase in foreign sales, demonstrating favorable performance for export activity.
Cuéllar explained that the higher volume growth than the higher value growth means the country is exporting a greater quantity of products, even though some of them have lower prices in international markets. She indicated that export performance is also influenced by demand from importing countries and by fluctuations in international prices.
“There hasn’t been a single month in which we haven’t exported more”, said the president of COEXPORT, noting that the performance observed in 2026 reflects a positive start to the year for the salvadoran export sector.
“We haven’t had a single month in which we haven’t exported more”, affirmed the president of COEXPORT, pointing out that the performance observed in 2026 reflects a positive start to the year for the salvadoran export sector. The trade association representative explained that higher-volume products tend to have a lower unit value, while those with a higher level of processing or destined for more specialized markets generate higher export revenue. Therefore, she considered the simultaneous increase in both value and volume to reflect sustained growth in national exports.
Regarding export destinations, Cuéllar highlighted that the United States continues to be the main market for salvadoran products, accounting for 36% of total exports. She added that the US maintains its leading position as El Salvador’s main trading partner, a trend that has solidified over several years.
After the United States, Central American countries, primarily Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua, follow, representing approximately 40% of national exports. Thus, these two markets account for most salvadoran shipments abroad.
However, the president of COEXPORT noted that the association continues to promote market diversification to reduce dependence on traditional destinations. In that regard, he indicated that salvadoran companies are already exploring business opportunities in emerging countries like Morocco, as well as new markets in Europe and South America.
She explained that entering new markets requires identifying the products with the greatest export potential and understanding the preferences of consumers in each country, since each market presents different demands and opportunities for salvadoran products.
Regarding the sectors driving exports, Cuéllar stated that textiles and apparel continue to be the country’s main export activity, thanks to the incorporation of more technology and value-added processes. He also highlighted the growth of the food and beverage sector, whose demand continues to increase in international markets and where certifications, food safety, and traceability have become key factors for maintaining competitiveness.
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