Micro and small enterprise trends show growth and informality in Peru and El Salvador

In Loreto, Peru, the number of micro and small enterprises (MYPE) reached 270,095 in 2025, a 0.4% increase from 2024 and a 7.2% rise compared to 2019 levels. Despite this growth, informality remains a critical issue, affecting 92.7% of these businesses. Average annual sales for these enterprises rose to S/ 21,369, while average profits reached S/ 10,309. Infrastructure challenges persist, as only 52.7% of MYPEs reported having an operational location, and among those with premises, only 10% had access to potable water.

In El Salvador, MYPEs increased their share among active formal employers from 86.7% in 2024 to 93% in 2025, according to data from the Salvadoran Social Security Institute (ISSS) and CONAMYPE. This shift means nine out of ten formal employers are now micro or small businesses. The most significant growth occurred within the small business segment, which saw a 74% increase in formal employers between 2024 and 2025, while micro-enterprises saw a 2.4% increase.