El Salvador-Rep. of Korea Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $343.64M total volume •El Salvador deficit: $259.52M
El Salvador → Rep. of Korea
$42.06M
Exports (2023)
Rep. of Korea → El Salvador
$301.58M
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$259.52M
Deficit for El Salvador
Total Trade
$343.64M
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between El Salvador and Rep. of Korea. Green line shows exports from El Salvador, red line shows imports.
Detailed Product Trade Analysis
Comprehensive breakdown of trade flows by product category, revealing the specialized nature of the El Salvador-Rep. of Korea commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
El Salvador → Rep. of Korea Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
El Salvador's export portfolio to Rep. of Korea demonstrates strategic specialization, with sugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in subheading note 2 to this chapter, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
Rep. of Korea → El Salvador Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
El Salvador's import pattern from Rep. of Korea reveals significant dependencyin steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, (other than plated or coated with zinc), highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
El Salvador demonstrates competitive strength in exportingsugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in subheading note 2 to this chapter, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter to Rep. of Korea, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsmoderatecomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $343.64M trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: El Salvador-Rep. of Korea Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $343.64 millionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: El Salvador maintains a deficit of $259.52 million
- Export Focus: El Salvador's primary exports include sugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in subheading note 2 to this chapter, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter, aluminium: waste and scrap, lead: waste and scrap
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from Rep. of Korea include steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, (other than plated or coated with zinc), vehicles: with only spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity over 1500 but not over 3000cc, vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a gvw not exceeding 5 tonnes), n.e.c. in item no 8704.1
Strategic Trade Indicators
📈 Market Position: This bilateral trade relationship represents an important regional trade partnerships, with complementary economic strengths driving sustained commercial exchange.
Historical Trade Analysis & Economic Context
Trade Evolution Timeline
2019-2023: Recent Trends
Current trade volume of $343.64M represents the culmination of evolving bilateral commercial relationships, influenced by global supply chain shifts and changing economic priorities.
2015-2019: Growth Period
Sustained expansion in bilateral trade driven by complementary economic structures, with El Salvador leveraging its comparative advantages in sugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in subheading note 2 to this chapter, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter.
2010-2015: Foundation Building
Establishment of modern trade frameworks and reduction of barriers, facilitating increased commercial exchange and investment flows between the two economies.
Pre-2010: Early Development
Initial stages of bilateral trade relationship development, with focus on traditional export-import patterns and gradual market integration.
Key Economic Drivers
Comparative Advantage
El Salvador's specialization in sugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in subheading note 2 to this chapter, not containing added flavouring or colouring mattercomplements Rep. of Korea's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, (other than plated or coated with zinc).
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $343.64M bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $343.64M bilateral trade volume positions this relationship for continued growth, supported by technological advancement, evolving consumer preferences, and strengthening economic ties. Key opportunities lie in expanding cooperation in emerging sectors while managing potential supply chain vulnerabilities.
Economic Impact & Strategic Outlook
Economic Impact Assessment
Trade Volume Impact
The $343.64 million bilateral trade volume represents a important trade relationshipfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in sugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in subheading note 2 to this chapter, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter and steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, (other than plated or coated with zinc) demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
El Salvador's trade deficit of $259.52 million impacts its overall economic position in this bilateral relationship.
Strategic Future Outlook
🚀Growth Opportunities
⚠️Risk Factors
🎯Strategic Recommendations
- Strengthen cooperation in high-value sectors beyond current trade patterns
- Develop alternative supply chains to reduce dependency risks
- Explore joint ventures in emerging technology sectors
- Enhance trade facilitation and reduce transaction costs
Market Position & Competitive Summary
The bilateral trade relationship between El Salvador and Rep. of Korea represents a total trade volume of $343.64 million in 2023. This partnership demonstrates an unfavorable trade balance for El Salvador, with imports exceeding exportsby $259.52 million.
Export Strengths
El Salvador's exports to Rep. of Korea total $42.06 million, with competitive advantages in sugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in subheading note 2 to this chapter, not containing added flavouring or colouring matter, representing $25.93M or61.7% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from Rep. of Korea amount to $301.58 million, highlighting economic interdependence in steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, (other than plated or coated with zinc), with Steel, alloy: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, n.e.c. in heading no. 7225, (other than plated or coated with zinc) comprising23.3% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade deficit indicates El Salvador's strategic sourcing from Rep. of Korea. This partnership is characterized by complementary trade flows, with each country specializing in different product categories based on their respective economic strengths, industrial capabilities, and position in global value chains.
Download Bilateral Trade Data
Access detailed trade data between El Salvador and Rep. of Korea in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023