dinero_admin 
El Salvador’s merchandise exports grew 20.1% in january 2026 compared to december 2025, rising from US$465.77 million to US$559.4 million, according to preliminary data from the Banco Central de Reserva de El Salvador (BCR). This increase represents a significant recovery after the decline recorded in december, which was the lowest month of the previous year.
Recovery after year-end
The january result not only surpasses the previous month’s figure but also exceeds the 2025 monthly average, which was around US$530 million. This demonstrates a rebound in export activity at the beginning of 2026, driven primarily by agricultural and manufactured products.
Sectors that drive growth
The agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing sectors were one of the main drivers of the increase, registering US$33.83 million. Within this category, green coffee and other unprocessed coffees stood out, rising from US$6.02 million in december to US$27.88 million in january, equivalent to a 221% increase, making it one of the biggest drivers of monthly growth.
As for the manufacturing industries, they contributed US$452.72 million. Cane sugar showed outstanding performance, rising from US$2.56 million in december to US$44.56 million in january, representing an increase of approximately 1,640%. The rest of the manufactured products also reported a slight increase, rising from US$388.45 million to US$407.92 million.
Sectors that drive growth
The increase in exports is primarily due to seasonal and production factors. In the case of green coffee, january coincides with the peak harvest season, which increases the volume available for export.
Meanwhile, sugar reflects the dynamics of the production cycle and international demand, recovering after a december with low figures that could have been associated with inventory adjustments or deferred exports.
External factors also play a role, such as favorable international prices for Salvadoran agricultural products and the reactivation of demand in key markets after the holiday season.
Impact on the salvadoran economy
Export growth strengthens the country’s foreign exchange earnings and contributes to improving the trade balance. In january, the trade deficit narrowed to -US$799.23 million, compared to -US$1,110.89 million in december, reflecting an improvement in the export-import ratio.
Furthermore, export dynamism directly benefits productive sectors such as agriculture and industry, generating employment, especially in rural areas linked to coffee and agribusiness. It also contributes to macroeconomic stability by increasing income and stimulating economic activity.
In short, preliminary data from the BCR shows that january 2026 began with a 20.1% increase in salvadoran exports compared to december, driven mainly by coffee and sugar, consolidating a positive start to the year for the country’s foreign trade.
You can also read:
