International Freight Shipping to El Salvador

Choose the Best Freight Forwarder to Safely Transport Your Goods to El Salvador From the Us and Canada

Exporting goods to El Salvador, whether it is for the first time, or on a regular basis, can be a challenging experience. There are many elements to consider when shipping to a country such as El Salvador.

If you are in Canada or the US and not entirely familiar with the Latin American market, you should consider a cargo shipping company that knows the business culture, the language, the customs regulations and has a proven track record of success when it comes to freight shipping to El Salvador.

For over 25 years, LAC has supported North American businesses with expert freight forwarding solutions to El Salvador. Our experience and strong carrier network allow us to offer a full range of reliable, cost-effective shipping services.

With LAC, your cargo reaches Colombia safely, on time, and with complete peace of mind.

What Can You Expect in El Salvador?

Regulations, communication methods, and business etiquette in El Salvador differ significantly from those in the US or Canada.

Salvadorans, known for their warmth and friendliness, attach great importance to developing personal relationships in contrast to the more formal approach common in the US or Canada. Building informal business relationships, or ‘friendships’, is key, as they prefer to do business with familiar faces. Furthermore, their loyalty may be tied more to personal connections than to the company itself. Leveraging third-party introductions is also vital for business success in El Salvador. Having a respected individual vouch for you and your company can significantly boost your credibility.

Salvadorans are known for their flexibility and spontaneity, exhibiting a more relaxed approach to time management than Americans and Europeans. Though punctuality remains crucial for business appointments.

Language can also be a consideration. While many business executives are fluent in English, a good knowledge of Spanish is highly valued in building relationships.

Quick Facts About El Salvador (Mid 2025)

• Capital: San Salvador
• Other Large Cities: Santa Ana, Soyapango, San Miguel, Mejicanos, Santa Tecla, Apopa, Delgado
• Population: ~6.42 million (IMF)
• Urbanization: ~73% (2023 est., World Bank)
• Official languages: Spanish
• Time Zone: GMT -6
• Currency: United States Dollar (USD)

Economic Snapshot (Mid 2025)

• GDP (Nominal): US$ 36.75 billion (2024)
• Real GDP Growth: 3.4% in Q4 2024 (Central Bank). 2.5% annual rate projected for 2025 
• GDP per Capita: ~US$ 5,720 (2024) 
• Inflation (CPI): Stabilized near zero end‑2024 (≈0.3%). Projected 0.5–1.0% in 2025 
• Unemployment: Around 5.2% in 2025 
• Fiscal Balance & Public Debt: Fiscal deficit narrowed: –4.7% (2023) → –4.4% of GDP (2024). Public debt remains high at ~88% of GDP 
• IMF Support: 40‑month Extended Fund Facility approved in Feb 2025 (SDR 1.03 billion / US$1.4 b). Staff-level agreement reached May 2025

Expanding to El Salvador: An Opportunity for North American Businesses

El Salvador, a fully dollarized economy, offers a unique and dynamic backdrop for companies seeking international expansion.

Historically tied to agriculture, the country’s recent market expansion has focused on manufacturing, particularly in sectors like textiles, clothing, and processed foods, often through local assembly plants known as maquiladoras.

The import market has experienced steady growth in recent years, with further increases anticipated. The USA is El Salvador’s largest trading partner, and its dollarized economy eliminates foreign exchange risk and streamlines transaction and financial costs. The new Central American Customs Union with Honduras and Guatemala, along with the Central America – Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR), present attractive opportunities for exporters, eliminating duties on U.S. consumer and industrial goods. Additionally, there is strong potential for establishing local assembly plants across various industries.

The demand for shipping to and from El Salvador has grown significantly in recent years. Partnering with LAC strengthens your company’s cargo shipping capabilities to this market. Our seasoned professionals possess in-depth knowledge of El Salvador’s market requirements, ensuring smooth and timely import processes. We equip you with the tools and expertise needed to successfully navigate the Salvadoran market.

Ship With Confidence, Ship with LAC

Our team of logistics experts is ready to optimize your supply chain and deliver seamless shipping solutions.

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El Salvador Trade Overview (Updated 2025)

MAIN IMPORTS:

• Fuels & petroleum (oil, gas, refined products): bulk of energy supply; Salvador still imports most fossil fuels.
• Electrical machinery & equipment (telecom gear, industrial electronics): vital for infrastructure and digital growth.
• Consumer goods & foodstuffs: significant category, including agro-food imports via CAFTA-DR partners like the U.S.
• Raw materials & intermediate goods (chemicals, thread, plastics): used by local manufacturers and maquiladoras.

MAIN EXPORTS:

• Textiles and apparel: including garments and electrical wire harnesses via free-zone (maquila) production.
• Coffee, sugar & processed foods: traditional agricultural staples; coffee remains a key export.
• Chemicals, gold & electricity: comprises ethanol, chemicals, some precious metals, and energy exports.
• Plastics, pharmaceuticals, microchips/electronics: growing high-value manufacturing exports (~$117M in chips, devices).

INDUSTRIES WITH STRONG BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES:

• Manufacturing & Maquila: garment, electronics, plastics production thriving under CAFTA-DR; export-led.
• Food processing & agribusiness: processed food exports growing, shown at international trade fairs (e.g., Istanbul 2025).
• Pharmaceuticals & medical devices: local pharma booming (>55% growth since 2011), exports >$180M in 2020.
• Electronics & semiconductors: microchip exports (~$117M in early 2021) plus rising assembly/manufacturing.
• Renewable energy & infrastructure: geothermal, solar, hydro power are strong sectors; port expansion by Yilport (~US$1.6B) opens logistics.
• IT & outsourcing: growing telecom and software services, plus rideshare/apps like HugoApp.

PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNERS:

• United States: #1 partner—drives exports (~US$2.16 B in 2024) and imports; critical market for textiles, food, electronics; CAFTA-DR enabled (~39% export share).
• China: major import source (machinery, consumer goods), rising regional influence.
• Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica: regional trade strong—plastics, chemicals, food, processed goods crossing borders.
• Mexico: substantial partner for textiles, household goods, chemicals; US$1.4 B total trade in 2023; Mexico #2 FDI source (~US$94M).
• Germany & EU: Germany imports coffee (~€79M), and EU is key market for medical, chemical, machinery exports.

What Makes LAC Your Ideal Logistics Partner?

Navigating the complexities of international trade requires a logistics partner who understands the unique challenges of each market. Every country presents a unique set of laws, guidelines, customs regulations, documentation requirements, restricted goods lists, communication norms, and cultural nuances. To successfully enter the Salvadoran market, you need a logistics partner who understands Salvadoran culture, the business landscape, and the local language.

Our team of experts offers superior freight forwarding services and competitive rates for your cargo shipping to El Salvador. Our combined experience, extensive knowledge, logistics skills, and local connections will ensure a smooth start and guarantee that your goods are transported quickly, safely, and worry-free.

We prioritize your company’s success. If you’re aiming for a successful venture in El Salvador, Latin American Cargo is your ideal freight forwarding partner.

What Paperwork is Needed for International Shipments to El Salvador?

To ship goods internationally to El Salvador, follow these essential steps:

• Documentation:
  • Commercial Invoice: Details the value and description of goods.
  • Packing List: Precise listing of shipment contents, avoiding vague terms.
  • Bill of Lading or Air Waybill (depending on shipment method).
  • Certificate of Origin: Required for certain goods, especially to benefit from trade agreements like CAFTA-DR.
  • Import Permits: Some goods (food, agricultural, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics, chemicals) require permits or registration with relevant Salvadoran ministries and agencies.
• Customs Declaration: All cargo must be declared with a customs form, and additional information or certifications may be needed for regulated or sensitive items.
• Electronic and Consular Submissions: For commercial shipments valued above $50, consular legalization of documents (especially invoices) may be required for certain goods, which must be submitted to a Salvadoran consulate prior to shipping.
• Special Certificates: Imports of food and animals require sanitary certificates from the Ministry of Agriculture or Health.
• Importer Registration: The recipient/importer must often be registered with El Salvador’s tax authorities and have appropriate identification numbers.

Proper document preparation and working with experienced freight forwarders is advised to ensure smooth customs clearance.

What Are the Regulations and Restrictions When Shipping to El Salvador?

• Prohibited and Restricted Items:
  • Prohibited: Used clothing, used tires, certain used machinery, toxic or hazardous waste, radioactive materials, precious metals, coins, currency, gambling devices, biological materials, and perishable infectious substances.
  • Restricted: Agricultural products, processed foods, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and antiques may require ministry permits and are subject to inspection.
• Labeling and Packaging: Products must have Spanish-language labels, clear measurement markings, and visible pricing per consumer protection laws.
• Duties and Taxes: Import duties (typically around 16%) and value-added tax (13%) apply, calculated on total declared value. Customs may revalue goods if documentation is incomplete or vague.
• Vehicle Import Rules: Age restrictions exist for used vehicles (e.g., passenger cars no older than 8 years, trucks up to 15 years), and all vehicles must meet safety/environmental standards.
• Customs Compliance:
  • Complete, accurate paperwork is required; discrepancies can lead to delays, additional duties, or confiscation.
  • Some products may be exempt or subject to temporary lowered tariffs (e.g., items on the basic food basket subject to government orders).
• Express and Courier Limits: Low-value parcels for personal use face less stringent requirements, but must still comply with customs regulations.

For efficient shipping, consult current Salvadoran regulations and consider professional customs brokerage support, as these requirements are subject to updates and government decrees.

Main Ocean Ports and Cargo Airports of El Salvador

El Salvador Main Ocean Ports

El Salvador Main Cargo Airports