These Were the Top 5 Salvadoran Exported Products in 2024

T-shirts and sweaters accounted for 15.17% of Salvadoran exports, making them the “kings” of the export basket. According to the Central Reserve Bank (BCR), despite the global decline in demand for textile products, T-shirts remained El Salvador’s top export product. Following T-shirts on the list were sweaters, plastic packaging or transportation articles, cane sugar, and toilet paper. These five products collectively represented 25.68% of the total registered goods exports by the end of 2024, which amounted to just over $6.4475 billion.

T-shirt exports totaled over $590.9 million in 2024, equivalent to 9.17% of the export basket. Although this figure appears impressive, it marked a sharp decline of $104.5 million compared to 2023, when exports reached $695.5 million—a 15% drop. Sweaters, pullovers, and cardigans accounted for 6% of total exports, surpassing $386.6 million. This category also suffered a 16.2% decline compared to the $461.9 million recorded in 2023, representing a reduction of $74.9 million.

Both products dominate the export basket with a combined share of 15.17%, reaffirming the economic model adopted after the civil war, when the country opened up to investment in the textile industry, leading to a significant displacement of agricultural products—most notably coffee, which had reigned as the country’s top export for nearly a century.

Plastic Packaging and Transportation Articles See Growth

Plastic packaging and transportation articles recorded $306.2 million in exports, accounting for 4.74%. Sales of this product increased by $9.5 million compared to the $296.6 million recorded in 2023, reflecting a 3.2% growth. The steady increase in demand for these products can be attributed to the rise of global e-commerce and improved logistics infrastructure, which have increased the need for durable packaging solutions. These materials are widely used across industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer goods, helping El Salvador maintain its foothold in this competitive market.

Top 5 Salvadoran Exported Products

• T-shirts: $590.99 million
• Sweaters: $386.66 million
• Packaging/transportation articles: $306.22 million
• Sugar: $241.26 million
• Toilet paper: $191.9 million
• Sugar: A Resilient Agricultural Export

Sugar remains the top agricultural export product. The Central Bank reported that shipments totaled $241.2 million, reflecting an increase of $5.5 million (2.4%) compared to 2023. This product accounted for 3.74% of total exports. The sugar industry has remained a pillar of El Salvador’s agricultural sector, bolstered by favorable trade agreements and consistent demand from key markets. The country’s efficient production methods and favorable climate contribute to maintaining its competitive edge.

To illustrate the decline of coffee, BCR records show that sugar exports in 2024 were 1.7 times greater than those of the once-dominant crop. Coffee exports totaled just $137.1 million, ranking 13th among the top 50 products sold by Salvadoran businesses. While coffee remains vital to El Salvador’s cultural and economic identity, its share of its total exports has diminished significantly.

El Salvador’s Strong Position in the Global Toilet Paper Market

El Salvador proudly holds its position as one of the world’s leading exporters of toilet paper. By the end of 2024, toilet paper exports reached $191.9 million. However, this represented a 13.4% decline from the $221.6 million recorded in 2023—a decrease of $29.7 million.

According to Trade Map, a database managed by the United Nations International Trade Centre (ITC), El Salvador ranks as the ninth-largest toilet paper producer worldwide. China, Germany, Poland, Canada, Italy, Sweden, France, and the United States surpass it. The decline in exports may be due to increased competition in international markets and higher raw material costs affecting production. Despite these challenges, Salvadoran manufacturers continue seeking new markets and growth opportunities.

The Broader Economic Landscape

Salvadoran exported products have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s trade balance and economic stability. While the textile sector still dominates, shifts in global trade dynamics have influenced overall performance. Declines in textile exports highlight the vulnerability of this industry to changes in consumer demand and global economic fluctuations. The continued prominence of plastic packaging and sugar underscores the country’s ability to diversify its export portfolio and adapt to new market demands.

Beyond the top five Salvadoran exported products, other significant contributors to the country’s trade economy include electrical wiring, medical devices, and seafood. El Salvador has also been working on strengthening its ties with trade partners in North America, Central America, and Europe, as these regions serve as major destinations for its exports. Additionally, government efforts to improve infrastructure and streamline trade processes aim to make Salvadoran goods more competitive internationally.

Future Outlook for Salvadoran Exported Products

Looking ahead, experts anticipate that El Salvador will continue to focus on diversifying its export base and enhancing the competitiveness of its key industries. Efforts to modernize textile manufacturing, adopt more sustainable production methods, and expand agricultural exports are expected to help mitigate some of the declines experienced in 2024. Also, advancements in logistics and trade facilitation could further strengthen El Salvador’s position as a reliable exporter.

The performance of Salvadoran exported products will also depend on global economic conditions, trade policies, and shifts in consumer preferences. If demand for apparel rebounds, the textile sector could regain some of its lost momentum. Meanwhile, industries like packaging and agriculture may grow as global supply chains adapt to changing economic landscapes.

In conclusion, while 2024 presented opportunities and challenges, Salvadoran exported products remain vital to the country’s economy. By focusing on innovation, market expansion, and trade partnerships, El Salvador can position itself for sustained growth in the future.