A. M. 
The Superintendencia de Competencia (SC) presented the results of a study on the beef sector, one of the most important sectors for the national economy and the basic food basket.
According to the institution, beef represents 21.70% of the cost of the urban Basic Food Basket (BFB), making this product an essential component of the diet of Salvadoran families. Currently, more than 60% of the meat consumed in the country is imported, reflecting the need for an analysis that covers both local production and import and distribution.
The study is part of the powers granted by the Competition Law, specifically in Articles 1, 4, and 13, paragraph c), and Article 7 of its regulations, with the objective of promoting economic efficiency and protecting consumer well-being.
One of the most relevant findings of the analysis is the impact of recent government policies, including the suspension of Import Duties (DAI) and the modernization of sanitary regulations. These measures have facilitated the diversification of international suppliers, allowing the entry of new trading partners such as Uruguay and, for the first time, Argentina.
The SC highlighted that the market opening has generated an estimated reduction of between 1% and 3% in retail beef prices, a direct benefit for the salvadoran consumer.
Regarding market structure, the study indicates that the import and wholesale distribution channels show a moderate level of concentration; however, in the supermarket retail channel, concentration is high, requiring constant vigilance to avoid practices that limit competition.
The Government of El Salvador, through the Competition Superintendency, reiterated its commitment to ensuring a transparent and competitive market, protecting the population’s purchasing power, and creating clear rules that encourage investment and economic sustainability.
With this report, the SC emphasizes that the opening of the beef market constitutes a step toward a more competitive and resilient economy, benefiting consumers and the country’s development.
