In 2023, El Salvador imported more than 200 million dollars in chilled and frozen beef, mainly from Central American countries. Argentina's entry into the market could change this dynamic and benefit local consumers by generating greater competition and reducing costs.
Nayib Bukele, the president of El Salvador, expressed his enthusiasm for the arrival of the first Argentine shipment, highlighting that the competition resulting from this trade opening will lead to lower prices and an improvement in product quality. These statements indicate a favorable environment for Argentine exports, supported by both governments aiming to expand trade relations.
Argentina's Foreign Minister emphasized that this incursion into El Salvador is a significant step that paves the way for future expansions into nearby countries such as Mexico, a constantly growing market for Argentine exports. Negotiations to achieve health certification for Argentine meat processing facilities in El Salvador began in 2023 and have successfully concluded.
Diana Mondino celebrated this achievement as an open door to the quality and competitiveness of Argentine meat in the international market. Argentina's presence in El Salvador comes after a successful participation in SIAL Paris 2024, an important food fair where new opportunities in Eastern Europe and North Africa were identified.
El Salvador is emerging as a market with high potential for Argentine meat, and the Minister underscored the importance of securing health certifications not only for this country but also for others in the region that could follow suit in opening their doors to Argentine meat products.