El Salvador-USA Bilateral Trade Analysis 2023
Complete trade statistics: $6.60B total volume •El Salvador deficit: $2.11B
El Salvador → USA
$2.25B
Exports (2023)
USA → El Salvador
$4.36B
Imports (2023)
Trade Balance
$2.11B
Deficit for El Salvador
Total Trade
$6.60B
Combined Volume
Trade Flow Visualization
Direct trade relationship between El Salvador and USA. 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-USA commercial relationship and competitive positioning in global markets.
El Salvador → USA Exports
Export Market Intelligence
🎯 Strategic Export Focus
El Salvador's export portfolio to USA demonstrates strategic specialization, with t-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crocheted representing a key competitive advantage in this bilateral market.
USA → El Salvador Imports
Import Dependency Profile
📦 Import Strategy Analysis
El Salvador's import pattern from USA reveals strategic sourcingin petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils, highlighting complementary economic structures and potential supply chain optimization opportunities.
Competitive Trade Position Analysis
Market Leadership
El Salvador demonstrates competitive strength in exportingt-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crocheted to USA, leveraging comparative advantages.
Trade Complementarity
The bilateral relationship showsmoderatecomplementarity, with each country specializing in different sectors.
Growth Potential
The $6.60B trade volume indicates substantial economic integration with room for expansion in emerging sectors.
Executive Summary: El Salvador-USA Trade Relationship
Key Trade Highlights 2023
- Total Trade Volume: $6.60 billionrepresenting a significant bilateral economic relationship
- Trade Balance: El Salvador maintains a deficit of $2.11 billion
- Export Focus: El Salvador's primary exports include t-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crocheted, jerseys, pullovers, cardigans, waistcoats and similar articles: of man-made fibres, knitted or crocheted, t-shirts, singlets and other vests: of textile materials (other than cotton), knitted or crocheted
- Import Dependencies: Key imports from USA include petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils, petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons: liquefied, propane, cereals: maize (corn), other than seed
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 $6.60B 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 t-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crocheted.
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 t-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crochetedcomplements USA's demand patterns, creating natural trade synergies.
Supply Chain Integration
Deep integration in global value chains has strengthened bilateral linkages, particularly in petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils.
Market Access & Trade Policy
Favorable trade agreements and market access conditions have facilitated the growth of this $6.60B bilateral relationship.
Trade Pattern Insights
Trade Relationship Outlook
The $6.60B 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 $6.60 billion bilateral trade volume represents a important trade relationshipfor both economies.
Industrial Integration
Trade flows in t-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crocheted and petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils demonstrate deep industrial linkages and supply chain integration.
Trade Balance Effects
El Salvador's trade deficit of $2.11 billion 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 USA represents a total trade volume of $6.60 billion in 2023. This partnership demonstrates an unfavorable trade balance for El Salvador, with imports exceeding exportsby $2.11 billion.
Export Strengths
El Salvador's exports to USA total $2.25 billion, with competitive advantages in t-shirts, singlets and other vests: of cotton, knitted or crocheted, representing $354.36M or15.8% of bilateral exports.
Import Dependencies
Imports from USA amount to $4.36 billion, highlighting economic interdependence in petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils, with Petroleum oils and oils from bituminous minerals, not crude: preparations n.e.c. containing by weight 70% or more of petroleum oils or oils from bituminous minerals: these being the basic constituents of the preparations: waste oils comprising37.1% of total imports.
The trade relationship reflects broader economic patterns and comparative advantages. The trade deficit indicates El Salvador's strategic sourcing from USA. 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 USA in multiple formats.
Data Source: CEPII BACI (Base pour l'Analyse du Commerce International) • Last Updated: January 2025 • Coverage: 1995-2023