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Containerized goods exports from El Salvador recorded 100% growth in 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to Luis Canto, general manager of the Pacific Port Union, speaking at the inauguration of El Salvador TradeExpo 2026. This figure reflects a significant rise in cargo movement destined for international markets and highlights the role of port activity in the country’s foreign trade operations.
Canto also detailed that container movement through the Port of Acajutla has grown by more than 20%. This rise complements the increase reported in containerized exports and demonstrates heightened activity at one of the country’s main port facilities. However, the official did not specify the volume of containers handled, or the exact timeframe covered by each variation.
Regarding general import cargo, the Pacific Port Union manager noted growth of approximately 30%. Meanwhile, grain imports showed a 4% increase, and vehicle movement at the Port of La Unión rose by around 30%. These figures reflect shifts across various segments of port activity, encompassing both goods entering the country and trade-related operations.
Canto highlighted that the Port of La Unión has established itself as a hub for vehicle movement, the segment where the nearly 30% growth was reported. The evolution of these operations is part of broader changes in port logistics, although the figures shared do not detail absolute volumes or the specific contribution of each segment to total cargo movement.
Another highlight mentioned by the manager was Yilport’s decision to relocate its international logistics center to El Salvador, a move attributed to the preparedness, skills, and quality of the salvadoran workforce. Logistics scheduling for several ports operated by the company in Spanish-speaking markets is coordinated from the country.
As Canto explained, this planning encompasses the ports of Acajutla and La Unión in El Salvador; Puerto Bolívar in Ecuador; the port of Paita in Peru; and two ports in Spain, one of which is in Ferrol. The operation represents a logistics function managed from El Salvador to coordinate port activities across different countries, extending beyond the mere movement of goods within national territory.
These figures were shared during the inauguration of El Salvador TradeExpo 2026, an event aimed at connecting salvadoran companies with international buyers and generating business opportunities. At the event, Leticia Escobar, President of the Cámara de Comercio e Industria de El Salvador (Camarasal), acknowledged the role of public institutions linked to foreign trade in facilitating operations, promoting investment, and opening up opportunities for the private sector.
The reported growth in containerized exports, alongside increases across various cargo categories, signals heightened activity in salvadoran port operations during 2026. However, to fully gauge the economic impact of these changes, it will be necessary to examine the volumes handled, the precise comparison period, and how these figures evolve in the coming months.
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