El Salvador sees export growth, widening trade deficit and soaring property prices

El Salvador’s export sector continued to expand in the first half of 2026, reaching US$3.401 billion – a 4 % rise in value and 10 % increase in volume versus the same period in 2025. The country recorded export records in 16 international markets, led by Guatemala (US$662 million), Mexico (US$145 million) and Morocco (US$21 million). Export growth was driven by products such as coffee, medicines and industrial goods, with coffee achieving its highest export value since 2013 thanks to higher world prices.

Despite the export gains, imports rose faster, producing the largest trade deficit for a first‑half period since 1994. The surplus of imports means the country continues to buy far more from abroad than it sells, a situation highlighted by officials warning of persistent fiscal and debt pressures. Remittances remain a vital source of income, with the United States still the main origin of funds sent to Salvadoran households.

The agricultural sector warned of climate‑related risks, including a potential grain‑production shortfall and El Niño impacts on smallholder farms. Meanwhile, the housing market showed a dramatic price surge: the average price per square metre climbed from US$124 in 2016 to US$276 in 2026, a 123 % increase, while the average property value rose from about US$16 000 to US$30 600. Transaction volume grew 13 % in 2025, but the number of sales remained essentially flat.