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Salvadoran exports showed a significant rebound in march 2026 compared to february, driven mainly by the electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply sector, which led relative growth with +13.79%, followed by manufacturing industries with +13.09% and the maquila manufacturing industry with +9.73%, according to data from the Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador.
This joint performance allowed the country’s total exports to grow by 11.74%, going from US$521.4 million in february to US$582.61 million in march, reflecting greater dynamism in productive activity oriented to international markets.
The energy supply sector recorded the highest percentage growth, increasing its exports from US$1.45 million to US$1.65 million between both months. Although its participation in total exports is relatively small, its variation shows dynamic behavior and greater activity in this area during march.
In the case of manufacturing industries, its growth of 13.09% confirms its role as one of the main engines of salvadoran foreign trade. This sector continues to be key due to its capacity to generate added value and sustain the country’s exportable supply. Adding to this momentum is the maquila manufacturing industry, which reported an increase of 9.73%, raising its exports from US$72.49 million in february to US$79.54 million in march, showing a recovery in production destined for international markets.
Some sectors presented negative results during the same period. Wholesale and retail trade, including vehicle repair, recorded the steepest drop at -24.21%, reflecting a significant decline in its export activity. Likewise, the exploitation of mines and quarries reported a reduction of -12.50%, while the agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing sector presented a slight contraction of -0.72%.
In general terms, the behavior of exports in march 2026 shows solid growth compared to february, driven mainly by industrial and energy sectors. Although declines persist in some areas, the overall balance is positive and shows a recovery in the country’s export rate, with a greater contribution from activities with a higher level of productive transformation.
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