A. M. 
Courtesy
The Corporación de Exportadores de El Salvador (COEXPORT) has announced that, in the first half of the year, the country’s exports grew by 1.8% in terms of volume, although the total value decreased by 6.7%. This contrast is due to the need to reduce prices to maintain competitiveness in international markets, which has affected the value of exports despite the fact that more products are being sold.
In addition, COEXPORT highlighted that according to the Statistical Report of the Banco Central de Reserva (BCR), based on the Standard International Trade Classification, the apparel and clothing accessories sector, despite a decrease of US$170.5 million, continues to be the main driver of exports, with a total of US$818.22 million in the first quarter of 2024.
Likewise, other sectors have shown significant growth. Compared to the first quarter of 2023, cane sugar exports increased by 6.3%, while exports of sugars, sugar preparations and honey increased by 4.14%. These increases highlight the diversification of the Salvadoran export sector and its capacity to adapt to variations in international demand.
Likewise, I highlight that from 2019 to 2024, more than 200 new companies dedicated to exports have emerged in El Salvador. This business growth reflects the dynamism of the sector, although it also highlights the importance of exploring markets with greater demand for higher value-added products. The strategy should include both expansion in the sale of lower-value products and the search for niches that value higher-quality products.
COEXPORT stresses the importance of continuing to innovate and improve the quality of Salvadoran products in order to maintain and expand its presence in the global market, always seeking a balance between export volume and value.
