Textiles and Apparel in El Salvador
Main products in 2025
| Product | 2024 (USD million) | 2025 (USD million) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton T-shirts | 405.29 | 316.90 | −22% |
| Synthetic fibre sweaters and pullovers | 247.54 | 225.98 | −9% |
| Synthetic fibre T-shirts | 183.94 | 178.89 | −3% |
| Cotton sweaters and pullovers | 138.57 | 167.16 | +21% |
| Synthetic socks | 94.75 | 106.83 | +13% |
| Cotton underpants | 86.36 | 62.68 | −27% |
Source: CAMTEX: textile and apparel sector, close of 2025 (PDF, in Spanish)1
Markets and the supply chain
- United States: USD 1,288 million in 2025; 56% synthetic fibre products and 44% cotton.
- Central America: 26% of exports, 43% of them yarn, fabric and other raw materials for plants in neighbouring countries.
Source: CAMTEX: textile and apparel sector, close of 2025 (PDF, in Spanish)1
Hanesbrands, a subsidiary of the Canadian group Gildan Activewear since late 2025, was the largest exporter of El Salvador for the 13th year running in 2025, according to the industrial association ASI. It employs 6,400 people in four plants and accounted for 16.6% of manufacturing exports.2
A difficult period
Exports under the maquila (outward processing) regime, measured by the Central Reserve Bank, fell 12.7% for textiles and apparel to USD 494.3 million in 2025, and maquila export volumes were the lowest since records began in 2005. CAMTEX reported in December 2025 that 10,000 to 12,000 jobs had been lost over four years, mainly because of realignments in global supply chains and corporate decisions, and that it expected a gradual recovery as new investments start operating. Exports to February 2026 were 6% lower again.3,4,1
Figures differ by source: CAMTEX counts the whole textile and apparel chain, while the Central Reserve Bank publishes maquila exports separately from free zone exports. Quote the source with the figure.1,3
Where the plants are
Most textile and apparel plants work under the Free Zones Law. The US Investment Climate Statement 2026 notes that textile plants make up most of the businesses in the free zones, which count 291 companies and about 70,000 jobs. The free zone comparison lists each zone and its main activities.5
Frequently Asked Questions
How large is the textile industry in El Salvador?
The chamber CAMTEX reports USD 1,926.97 million of exports in 2025, 30% of El Salvador’s goods exports, and more than 60,000 direct jobs.
Where does El Salvador sell its apparel?
Mainly to the United States, which bought USD 1,288 million. El Salvador was the 11th supplier of apparel to the United States.
How did textile exports perform in 2025?
Sales fell: US purchases were USD 132 million lower than in 2024 and cotton T-shirts, the main product, dropped 22%.
Sources
- CAMTEX: textile and apparel sector, close of 2025 (PDF, in Spanish)
- Diario El Mundo: for 13 years this has been the biggest exporter of El Salvador, July 2026 (in Spanish)
- Diario El Mundo: maquila exports grow 0.4% in value in 2025 but reach their lowest volume (in Spanish)
- CAMTEX: the textile sector estimates a 4% drop in foreign exchange earnings by the end of 2025
- US Department of State: 2026 Investment Climate Statement, El Salvador
Figures checked 9 November 2026. Prepared by InvestSalvador.com for general information. It is not investment, tax or legal advice; please confirm details with a qualified adviser before acting.
