El Salvador’s Largest Trading Partners: Who Imports and Exports the Most?

Explore El Salvador’s top trading partners, import-export data, and key trade insights for 2024, including major trade relations with the USA, China, and more.

Mar 3, 2025 0 3.3k

El Salvador’s Largest Trading Partners: Who Imports and Exports the Most?

In today's global economy, international trade plays a crucial role in the economic development of countries worldwide. For a small country like El Salvador, having strong trading partners can significantly impact its economy. According to El Salvador import data, El Salvador imports accounted for $15.97 billion in 2024, while El Salvador’s exports reached a total value of $6.44 billion, as per El Salvador export data for 2024. Articles of Apparel and Plastics are the biggest export products of El Salvador, as per El Salvador export data by HS code. In this article, we will explore El Salvador's largest trading partners, looking at who imports the most from El Salvador and to whom El Salvador exports the most, as per El Salvador trade data.

Biggest Import Partners of El Salvador: El Salvador Imports by Country

El Salvador imports are sourced from various countries, with its biggest import partners being the United States, Guatemala, and China. The United States plays a significant role in El Salvador's imports, reflecting the close economic ties between the two countries, as per the North America trade data. Guatemala also stands as a key trade partner for El Salvador, fostering cooperation in various industries. Overall, El Salvador's trade partners for imports demonstrate their interconnectedness with different economies on an international scale. El Salvador's top 10 import partners, as per the El Salvador shipment data for 2024, include:

USA: $4.43 billion (27.7%)

The United States tops the list as El Salvador's largest import partner, with goods worth $4.43 billion, accounting for 27.7% of the total imports, as per US export data. Products imported from the USA range from machinery, electronic equipment, to agricultural products, reflecting the strong trade relationship between the two countries.

China: $2.73 billion (17.1%)

China follows closely behind as the second-largest import partner of El Salvador, with imports totaling $2.73 billion, comprising 17.1% of the overall imports. The imports from China include textiles, machinery, and electronics, showcasing the diverse range of products sourced from this global manufacturing hub.

Guatemala: $1.54 billion (9.7%)

Guatemala secures the third position on the list of import partners, with imports valued at $1.54 billion, representing 9.7% of El Salvador's total imports. Proximity and regional trade agreements contribute to the significant trade volume between the two neighboring countries.

Mexico: $1.33 billion (8.4%)

Mexico ranks fourth among El Salvador's import partners, with imports amounting to $1.33 billion, making up 8.4% of the total imports, as per Mexico customs export data. The trade between El Salvador and Mexico encompasses a wide array of goods, including vehicles, machinery, and petroleum products.

Honduras: $746.47 million (4.7%)

Honduras holds the fifth spot as an import partner of El Salvador, with imports worth $746.47 million, accounting for 4.7% of the total imports. The trade between the two Central American countries involves various products such as food items, textiles, and machinery.

Nicaragua: $493.43 million (3.1%)

Nicaragua ranks sixth on the list of El Salvador's import partners, with imports totaling $493.43 million, representing 3.1% of the total imports. The trade relationship between El Salvador and Nicaragua extends to products like agricultural goods, beverages, and raw materials.

Costa Rica: $444.67 million (2.8%)

Costa Rica secures the seventh position among El Salvador's import partners, with imports amounting to $444.67 million, comprising 2.8% of the total imports. The trade between the two countries encompasses goods such as medical equipment, plastics, and fruits.

South Korea: $300.06 million (1.9%)

South Korea takes the eighth spot as an import partner of El Salvador, with imports valued at $300.06 million, making up 1.9% of the total imports. The imports from South Korea range from electronics and automobiles to chemical products, reflecting the strong trade ties between the two nations.

Brazil: $284.24 million (1.8%)

Brazil ranks ninth on the list of import partners, with imports worth $284.24 million, accounting for 1.8% of El Salvador's total imports. The trade between El Salvador and Brazil includes products like coffee, sugar, and machinery.

Japan: $283.26 million (1.8%)

Japan rounds off the list as the tenth import partner of El Salvador, with imports amounting to $283.26 million, representing 1.8% of the total imports. The imports from Japan cover a wide range of products, including electronic devices, vehicles, and industrial machinery.

Biggest Export Partners of El Salvador: El Salvador Exports by Country

El Salvador's biggest export partners play a crucial role in the country's economy. According to El Salvador export data by country, the United States leads as the primary export destination, followed by Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. These strong trade relationships contribute significantly to El Salvador's export market diversification and economic stability. El Salvador's top 10 export partners in 2024, as per the El Salvador shipment data and El Salvador trade data, include:

USA: $2.16 billion (33.6%)

The United States remains El Salvador's largest export partner, with a total of $2.16 billion in trade. The strong economic ties between the two countries have led to a significant amount of exports, including textiles, apparel, and coffee.

Guatemala: $1.30 billion (20.2%)

Guatemala is El Salvador's second-largest export partner, with a total of $1.30 billion in trade. The proximity between the two countries has fostered a strong trading relationship, with exports primarily consisting of agricultural products and machinery.

Honduras: $1.04 billion (16.2%)

Honduras holds the third spot as one of El Salvador's top export partners, with a total trade of $1.04 billion. The neighboring countries have a shared history and culture, leading to a thriving trade in products such as textiles, apparel, and food products.

Nicaragua: $581.20 million (9%)

Nicaragua is another significant export partner for El Salvador, with a total trade of $581.20 million. The two countries engage in trade primarily in agriculture, textiles, and electronics, contributing to the growth of both economies.

Costa Rica: $310.21 million (4.8%)

Costa Rica maintains a solid trade relationship with El Salvador, with a total trade of $310.21 million. The two countries exchange goods such as coffee, fruits, and pharmaceutical products, highlighting the diverse trade opportunities between them.

Panama: $248.93 million (3.9%)

Panama is an important export partner for El Salvador, with a total trade of $248.93 million. The strategic location of Panama as a hub for international trade allows for the easy flow of goods and services between the two countries.

Mexico: $122.02 million (1.9%)

Mexico plays a role as one of El Salvador's export partners, with a total trade of $122.02 million. The trade between the two countries includes products such as machinery, electronics, and automotive parts, reflecting the diverse nature of their economic relationship.

Dominican Republic: $108.16 million (1.7%)

The Dominican Republic is an emerging export partner for El Salvador, with a total trade of $108.16 million. The trade between the two countries focuses on textiles, apparel, and food products, showcasing the potential for further growth in their economic ties.

China: $52.82 million (0.8%)

China is a notable export partner for El Salvador, with a total trade of $52.82 million. The trade between the two countries encompasses a wide range of products, from electronics to machinery, highlighting the diverse trade opportunities available.

Spain: $50.12 million (0.8%)

Spain rounds out the list of El Salvador's top 10 export partners, with a total trade of $50.12 million. The historical ties between the two countries have facilitated trade in products such as textiles, wine, and olive oil, contributing to the cultural exchange between them.

El Salvador Import-Export Trade in the Last 10 Years: Yearly Trade Data

El Salvador Import-Export Trade in the Last 10 Years

Year of Trade	El Salvador’s imports ($)	El Salvador’s exports ($)
2014	$10.51 billion	$5.30 billion
2015	$9.74 billion	$4.37 billion
2016	$9.27 billion	$4.18 billion
2017	$9.90 billion	$4.55 billion
2018	$10.93 billion	$4.64 billion
2019	$11.33 billion	$4.77 billion
2020	$9.88 billion	$4.80 billion
2021	$14.61 billion	$6.39 billion
2022	$17.10 billion	$7.11 billion
2023	$15.64 billion	$6.49 billion
2024	$15.97 billion	$6.44 billion

Trade Relations and Economic Impact

The strong trade relations that El Salvador has with countries like the United States and Guatemala have a significant economic impact on the country.
These trading partnerships help boost El Salvador's economy by creating jobs, stimulating growth in key industries, and increasing foreign exchange earnings.
Additionally, these trade relationships can also result in the transfer of knowledge and technology, which can further enhance El Salvador's competitiveness in the global market.
By exporting products to countries with high demand and importing goods that are essential for its economy, El Salvador can maintain a balanced trade relationship with its trading partners.

El Salvador's Economic Relationship with Mexico and Major Trading Partners

El Salvador-Mexico Trade Relations

Mexico has long been a key trading partner for El Salvador. The two countries share a strong economic relationship, with Mexico being one of El Salvador's largest export destinations. In recent years, both countries have worked to strengthen their economic ties through bilateral agreements that promote trade and investment. The El Salvador-Mexico trade volume reached a total of $1.57 billion in 2024.

One of the most notable trade agreements between El Salvador and Mexico is the Free Trade Agreement between Mexico and the Northern Triangle (El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras). This agreement has facilitated the exchange of goods and services between the two countries, leading to increased trade volumes and economic cooperation.

Apart from Mexico, El Salvador has been actively engaging with other major trading partners to further expand its market reach. Countries like the United States, China, and Guatemala have emerged as important trading partners for El Salvador in recent years.

El Salvador-US Trade Relations

The United States remains one of El Salvador's largest export destinations, thanks to the Central America-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR). This agreement has promoted trade and investment between the two countries, leading to increased economic cooperation. The US-El Salvador total trade volume reached $6.59 billion in 2024.

El Salvador-China Trade Relations

China has also become an important trading partner for El Salvador, with the two countries entering into several agreements to boost trade and investment. El Salvador's exports to China have been on the rise, reflecting the growing economic relationship between the two nations. The total trade volume between El Salvador and China reached $2.78 billion in 2024.

El Salvador-Guatemala Trade Relations

Moreover, El Salvador has been strengthening its economic ties with Guatemala, its Central American neighbor. The two countries share a common economic space and have been working together to promote trade and investment through various agreements. El Salvador and Guatemala had a total trade of $2.84 billion in 2024.

Impact of Trade Agreements on El Salvador's Economy

The trade agreements that El Salvador has entered into with Mexico and other major partners have had a significant impact on the country's economy. By reducing trade barriers and promoting market access, these agreements have helped to boost El Salvador's exports and attract foreign investment.

In addition, these agreements have also helped to diversify El Salvador's export markets, reducing the country's dependence on a few key trading partners. This diversification has made El Salvador's economy more resilient and less vulnerable to external shocks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, El Salvador's largest trading partners play a crucial role in the country's economic development. By maintaining strong trade relations with countries like the United States, Guatemala, and Honduras, El Salvador can leverage its export potential and meet its import needs effectively. As the country continues to focus on enhancing its trade relationships and exploring new opportunities, the future looks bright for El Salvador's trade sector.

To know more about the latest El Salvador Trade Data, Visit TradeImeX. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in.