The Salvadoran Exporters Corporation (COEXPORT) held the "Food Export Congress: Health, Safety, and Food Safety in the Face of International Trade Challenges." This initiative aimed to strengthen the technical capabilities of Salvadoran companies to meet the increasingly rigorous demands of international markets regarding the trade of agri-food products.
The Congress took place against a favorable backdrop for the Salvadoran agri-food sector. As of May 2026, food exports reached US$732.1 million, marking a 4.3% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The sector also saw an 8.2% rise in export volume, driven primarily by the strong performance of products such as coffee and sugar.
The event brought together representatives from the production sector, government officials, and national and international specialists. They analyzed regulatory trends and advancements in food safety, traceability, risk management, and regulatory compliance—factors that are redefining the conditions for market access and continued presence in key export markets.
During the opening ceremony, COEXPORT President Silvia Cuéllar emphasized that export competitiveness is increasingly linked to a company's ability to ensure processes that are safe, transparent, and aligned with international standards.

“Markets are increasingly demanding evidence of compliance, traceability, and control throughout the entire production chain. Preparing our companies to meet these demands is fundamental to strengthening their competitiveness and seizing new commercial opportunities,” he noted.
In addition, the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Oscar Domínguez, shared strategies the institution is promoting to strengthen national production and modernize laboratory infrastructure, aiming to improve the agrifood sector's capacity to respond to the effects of the El Niño phenomenon and other challenges associated with climate change.
Key tools for food safety were also presented, such as the risk-based approach, the HACCP system, and plant-level hygiene and control programs. The session also covered processes for validating heat treatments, controlling allergens, and managing contaminants—such as pesticides, antibiotics, and heavy metals—aspects that are increasingly required in international audits.
The role of international certifications in facilitating access to global markets was highlighted. Emphasis was also placed on the use of traceability and monitoring technologies to improve supply chain control and reduce logistical and sanitary risks.
It was concluded that rising international demands necessitate the strengthening of compliance systems, cementing food safety as a key factor in export competitiveness. In this regard, COEXPORT reiterated that technical preparation, innovation, and the adoption of international standards are essential for Salvadoran companies to expand their presence in global markets and sustainably capitalize on international trade opportunities.