Browse Data and Analysis

There is no legal impediment to the use of biotechnology in El Salvador. Genetically engineered (GE) corn field trials were successfully completed.

Ecuador extended its tariff exemption for soybean meal and wheat imports from all origins for five years, effective January 1, 2020.

Salvadoran restaurants and hotels continue to benefit from growth in the tourism sector, especially the business/convention and emerging surf sectors.

During 2019, the Salvadoran retail sector, valued at approximately $4.5 billion, continues to show positive signs of growth as supermarkets and discount stores have expanded operations.

On December 23, 2016, Ecuador’s Foreign Trade Committee passed the extension of the current tariff and duty exemption for soybean meal imports from all origins (including the United States).

Since the United States entered into the CAFTA-DR trade agreement, U.S. agricultural exports to the six CAFTA-DR countries have more than doubled.

Central America and the Caribbean, with their close geographical and economic ties to the United States, have always been an important market for U.S. agricultural exports.

Ecuador’s Foreign Trade Committee (COMEX) resolved on November 26, 2014, to extend the current tariff and duty exemption for soybean meal imports from all origins (including the United States).

In 2008, El Salvador abolished the Planting Seed Law that required imported seeds to have a phytosanitary certificate with an additional declaration stating that the seeds did not contain GMOs.

Although Ecuador maintains a number of anti-biotech laws and regulations, there is minimal enforcement, and trade in cotton and soybean products continues.

El Salvador has no legal restriction on the use of agricultural biotechnology. However the country's biotech regulatory framework is still being developed.