A. M. 
El Salvador’s merchandise imports reached US$1.57666 billion in december 2025, an increase of 4.12% compared to november, when they totaled US$1.51549 billion, according to preliminary data from the Banco Central de Reserva (BCR). The monthly increase was US$61.17 million and contributed to the trade deficit widening to -US$1,110.89 million in december, compared to -US$1,004.74 million in november.
General comparison november–december
In general terms, import growth was driven by higher foreign purchases in sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing, while other sectors, such as maquila, recorded declines.
Total imports: from US$1,515.49 million in november to US$1,576.66 million in december (+US$61.17 million; +4.12%).
Sectors that drove the increase
The BCR details that several sectors showed significant increases in december, especially:
Agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing: rose from US$81.22 million to US$118.67 million, an increase of US$37.45 million (+46.13%), being one of the main drivers of monthly growth.
Manufacturing industries: rose from US$1,363.48 million to US$1,417.13 million, an increase of US$53.65 million (+3.93%), accounting for most of the total imported value.
Electricity, gas, and other supplies: increased from US$0.63 million to US$1.13 million (+79.37%), although with a reduced weight in the total.
Vehicle trade: grew from US$7.69 million to US$8.80 million (+14.43%).
Sectors with declines
Some sectors recorded declines that moderated overall growth:
Mining and quarrying: fell from US$23.75 million to US$2.42 million (-89.81%).
Maquila: decreased from US$38.72 million to US$28.52 million (-26.36%), with reductions in knitwear and textiles.
Notable subsectors
Within the agricultural sector, the increase was mainly driven by the category of “other agricultural products.” In manufacturing, the category “other products” accounted for most of the imported value. In maquila, the largest declines were recorded in knitwear and textiles.
Possible factors for the increase
Although the BCR does not specify specific causes, the data suggest that the increase in agricultural imports could be associated with seasonal input requirements and local demand at the end of the year, while the decline in maquila could be due to production and export cycles.
Impact on the trade balance
The increase in imports widened the trade deficit in december, reflecting greater dependence on imported goods compared to exports for the month. This behavior is relevant for assessing foreign trade dynamics and pressures on the balance of payments.
In summary, imports grew 4.12% in december 2025, driven mainly by agriculture and manufacturing industries, while maquila and mining recorded declines, according to preliminary data from the Banco Central de Reserva.
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