Sugar becomes El Salvador’s leading agroindustrial export in first half of 2026

Sugar moves to the top of the export ranking

Sugar became El Salvador’s leading agroindustrial export during the first half of 2026, according to data from the country’s Central Reserve Bank, or BCR, reported by Infobae. From January through June, the sector recorded unprecedented levels of export volume and value, strengthening its contribution to foreign-currency earnings and the national trade balance.

The BCR data place sugar and confectionery exports at record levels for the period. Infobae attributed the rise to a combination of higher international prices and stronger commercial ties with markets outside Central America. The expansion helped move the relevant trade balance into positive territory after several periods of negative results, although the source did not provide the total value or volume exported.

The largest product category was “cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose, in solid form.” It ranked first by both volume and value. The performance also has domestic importance because sugar exports support rural employment and generate foreign currency for an economy in which agroindustry remains an important source of external revenue.

United States and China anchor demand

The United States remained the largest destination for Salvadoran sugar and confectionery products. Sales to the US reached US$74.8 million in the first six months of 2026, representing almost 40% of the category’s total exports. Within that amount, solid cane or beet sugar and chemically pure sucrose accounted for US$60.5 million.

China was the second-largest market, purchasing US$48.8 million during the semester. Its growing role gives Salvadoran exporters a major destination beyond their traditional regional markets. According to Infobae, the commercial relationship with China has expanded substantially in recent years and has become part of the industry’s effort to diversify its customer base.

That diversification matters because it reduces dependence on a single buyer or on neighboring Central American markets. It also gives mills and exporters more options when international prices or demand conditions change. The source said stronger extraregional relationships helped the industry remain competitive despite the challenges created by movements in world sugar prices.

Morocco emerges as a significant third market

Morocco ranked third among the principal destinations, importing US$20.9 million of Salvadoran products during the period. The African market surpassed several Central American countries and moved ahead of some historically important partners. The BCR linked this result to commercial agreements and the sector’s capacity to meet the quality requirements of international buyers.

The destination mix shows that El Salvador’s sugar industry is extending its reach across North America, Asia and Africa. The United States, China and Morocco together accounted for at least US$144.5 million in purchases reported for the semester. For producers and exporters, the wider market base supports sales resilience; for the national economy, sugar’s rise increases the sector’s influence on foreign-exchange generation, the trade balance and rural employment.