El Salvador and United States Establish New Trade Framework [Nov. 2025]

We’re pleased to announce that El Salvador and the United States have agreed to a Framework for an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade that will strengthen and build upon our longstanding economic relationship under CAFTA-DR.

Key Commitments and Benefits

Market Access Improvements

• Tariff Relief: The United States will remove reciprocal tariffs on Salvadoran exports that cannot be grown, mined, or naturally produced in sufficient quantities in the U.S., including certain textiles and apparel products under CAFTA-DR
• Streamlined Regulations: We will simplify regulatory requirements for U.S. exports, including pharmaceutical products and medical devices
• Trade Facilitation: Removal of import restrictions on remanufactured goods and acceptance of U.S. auto standards

Digital and Services Trade

• Digital Commerce: Commitment to prevent barriers to services and digital trade, including refraining from discriminatory digital services taxes
• Electronic Transactions: Support for a permanent multilateral moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions
• Paperless Trade: Acceptance of electronic certificates and streamlined certificate of free sale requirements

Intellectual Property and Agriculture

• IP Protection: Advancement of international intellectual property treaties with transparency and fairness regarding geographical indications
• Agricultural Access: Protection of market access for U.S. agricultural exporters, particularly regarding cheese and meat terms
• Regulatory Cooperation: Acceptance of certificates issued by U.S. regulatory authorities

Labor and Environmental Standards

• Labor Rights: Reinforcement of internationally recognized labor rights and prohibition of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor
• Environmental Protection: Commitment to high levels of environmental protection and effective enforcement of environmental laws
• Sustainable Practices: Measures to improve forest sector governance, combat illegal logging, strengthen fisheries enforcement, and address illegal wildlife trade and mining

Economic Security and Governance

• Supply Chain Resilience: Strengthened economic and national security cooperation to enhance supply chain resilience
• Market Fairness: Addressing distortionary actions of state-owned enterprises and industrial subsidies
• Trade Security: Cooperation on duty evasion, government procurement, investment security, and export controls

Implementation Timeline

In the coming weeks, both countries will work to finalize the Agreement, prepare it for signature, and undertake domestic formalities before it enters into force.

The United States may also consider the Agreement’s positive effect on national security when taking trade actions.

Strategic Importance

This framework represents a significant advancement in our economic relationship with the United States, building upon the foundation established by CAFTA-DR in 2006. It demonstrates our commitment to creating a more reciprocal and balanced trading relationship while maintaining high standards for labor, environment, and market fairness.

The agreement positions El Salvador as a reliable trading partner committed to international standards and sustainable economic development.

We look forward to the successful implementation of this framework and the continued growth of our economic partnership with the United States.

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This framework was announced alongside similar reciprocal trade agreements with Guatemala and Ecuador, as well as an Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment with Argentina, reflecting a broader U.S. initiative to deepen economic partnerships in the region.