A. M. 
The Banco Central de Reserva of El Salvador reported that toilet paper, canned tuna, and pharmaceuticals for human use were the country’s top exports in january 2026, according to records of transactions authorized electronically through CIEX El Salvador.
This data is part of the monitoring carried out by the country’s foreign trade system, which allows for the digital registration and authorization of salvadoran exports. The report highlights the continued importance of certain manufactured food products within the national export portfolio.
Top export products
According to information published by the Banco Central de Reserva, toilet paper ranked first among electronically authorized exports during the first month of the year. This product is part of the paper and paper products manufacturing sector, an industry that has strengthened its presence in international markets in recent years, especially within the Central American region. Canned tuna ranked second, a food industry product that maintains strong demand in foreign trade. The production and export of processed foods represent an important component of the country’s export structure, particularly due to its capacity to supply regional markets.
Third place was occupied by medicines for human use, reflecting the role of the salvadoran pharmaceutical industry in international trade. This sector has increased its presence in different markets thanks to the manufacture of products for medical and hospital use.
Foreign trade and digitalization
Exports registered in the CIEX El Salvador system are part of a digital process that allows companies to carry out foreign trade procedures electronically. This mechanism facilitates the authorization of exports and imports, in addition to streamlining administrative processes for actors in the productive sector.
Through this system, companies can register as importers or exporters and manage their business operations, contributing to the modernization of international trade procedures in the country.
Importance of exports for the economy
Export performance is a key indicator for measuring El Salvador’s economic activity, as it reflects the country’s ability to place its products in international markets.
The presence of manufactured goods, processed foods, and pharmaceuticals among the main exported items demonstrates the diversity of productive sectors participating in Salvadoran foreign trade.
Banco Central de Reserva data allows for the identification of trends in international demand and serves as a benchmark for companies, investors, and authorities to evaluate the performance of the export sector and its growth opportunities in foreign markets.
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