San Salvador Times

US Beef Exports to Central America Rise as Hospitality Demand Remains Strong

Trade data show the value of American beef exports to Central America increased 19 percent in the first quarter, supported by robust demand from restaurants and hotels despite little change in shipment volumes.

Middle Eastern Investors Launch $50 Million Startup Fund Targeting Emerging Markets

A partnership between UAE telecommunications operator du and venture capital firm Shorooq Partners will deploy fresh capital into fintech, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence startups across emerging economies, including Latin Amer...

International Fintech Firms Expand Financing Options for Central American Small Businesses

Digital banking networks are rolling out new underwriting and payment referral systems designed to improve access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises across the region.

Costa Rica's Financial Technology Sector Accelerates During Open Banking Transition

New investments and platform launches are helping Costa Rica emerge as a key regional center for digital payments, lending services and cross-border financial technology innovation.

Costa Rica Strengthens Position as a Leading Medical Technology Manufacturing Hub

Healthcare manufacturers and suppliers meeting at the Life Sciences Forum highlighted growing use of artificial intelligence and automation, reinforcing Costa Rica's role in global medical device supply chains.

Inter-American Development Bank Urges Governments to Account for Climate Risks in Public Finances

Regional development institutions are encouraging Central American and Caribbean governments to incorporate disaster-related liabilities into fiscal planning and develop new financing mechanisms for resilient infrastructure.

Maritime Freight Costs Rise Across Central America Amid Higher Energy and Transport Expenses

Major shipping operators have introduced new surcharges and rate increases for regional cargo movements, citing volatile fuel markets and rising inland transportation costs.

Central American Tourism Outlook Outpaces Global Growth Ahead of 2026 World Cup

The World Travel and Tourism Council expects tourism revenues across Central and South America to grow faster than global averages as countries expand hospitality infrastructure ahead of increased visitor flows linked to the North Americ...

Brazil and United States Exchange Sharp Criticism Over Trade and Regional Influence

Relations between Washington and Brasília have deteriorated after Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized threats of a 25 percent tariff proposed by United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio, deepening tensions over t...

World Surf League Event Returns to La Libertad as El Salvador Pushes Tourism Growth

The Surf City El Salvador Pro tournament has begun at Punta Roca, attracting international visitors and reinforcing government efforts to promote the country's Pacific coast as a global tourism destination.

Cryptocurrency Remittances Rise Sharply as El Salvador's Digital Finance Sector Expands

Central Reserve Bank figures show cryptocurrency-based remittances increased by nearly 50 percent from a year earlier in the first quarter, highlighting continued growth in digital financial services and fintech adoption.

Food Security Risks Increase Across El Salvador's Dry Corridor

International monitoring agencies warn that irregular rainfall, rising fuel costs and higher maize prices are worsening food insecurity for vulnerable farming communities in eastern and western parts of the country.

El Salvador Expands Bitcoin Strategy Through Geothermal-Powered AI Infrastructure Plans

The government is seeking to combine its sovereign Bitcoin holdings with investment in artificial intelligence computing facilities powered by volcanic geothermal energy as part of a broader digital economy strategy.

El Salvador Enforces Foreign Agents Law Imposing Tax on Overseas Donations

A new law requiring a 30 percent tax on foreign-funded donations has taken effect, giving authorities broader powers over non-governmental organizations and intensifying debate about the future of civil society in the country.

El Salvador Faces Growing Scrutiny Over Alleged Deportation and Gang Leader Transfer Deal

Reports of discussions between Salvadoran and United States officials involving deported Venezuelan migrants and the transfer of senior MS-13 figures have added a new source of diplomatic and legal controversy between the two countries.

El Salvador Opens Mass Trial Against Hundreds of Alleged MS-13 Leaders

Prosecutors have launched a landmark case against nearly 500 suspected MS-13 commanders accused of involvement in tens of thousands of crimes, marking one of the largest judicial proceedings undertaken during the country's prolonged stat...

El Salvador Secures $1.4 Billion IMF Agreement to Strengthen Public Finances

After years of difficult negotiations linked to its adoption of Bitcoin, El Salvador finalized a $1.4 billion financing agreement with the International Monetary Fund, providing fiscal support and improving investor confidence in the cou...

Constitutional Reforms Point to Extended Political Continuity in El Salvador

Recent changes that removed presidential term limits and revised the electoral calendar are expected to reinforce continuity in government policy ahead of unified national elections scheduled for 2027.

Volaris El Salvador Expands Direct Routes to North America

New regulatory approvals will allow the airline to add direct services to destinations in the United States, improving passenger connectivity and air cargo links for tourism, business travel and the Salvadoran diaspora.

Authorities Warn of Elevated Flood Risks Across El Salvador Despite Quiet Hurricane Outlook

Civil protection agencies and the US Embassy in San Salvador warned that localized heavy rainfall, landslides and urban flooding remain possible even as forecasters expect a below-average Atlantic hurricane season.

Energy Industry Report Highlights Natural Gas Investment Opportunities in Central America

The International Gas Union and the Latin American Energy Organization identified significant potential for natural gas infrastructure projects, arguing the fuel could help stabilize electricity systems as renewable energy capacity expan...

Tokenized Equities Trading Exceeds $5 Billion as Digital Asset Markets Expand

An industry report found that tokenized stocks generated more than $5 billion in trading volume, highlighting growing investor interest in blockchain-based access to traditional financial assets.

El Salvador Airport Expansion Strengthens Regional Aviation Hub Ambitions

Infrastructure upgrades, additional flight frequencies and a newly opened Aeroman maintenance facility are increasing the capacity of El Salvador’s international airport to serve airlines operating across the Americas.

United Kingdom and El Salvador Record Strong Growth in Bilateral Trade

Updated British government data showed trade in goods and services between the two countries expanded by 19% over the past year, supported by a sharp increase in services exports.

El Salvador Relies More Heavily on Thermal Power During Heatwave

The national grid operator reported the highest use of thermal electricity generation since early 2024 as extreme heat and delayed rains reduced hydroelectric output while demand for power increased.

World Surf League Event Expected to Boost Tourism in El Salvador

Government agencies and tourism operators are preparing for the return of the Surf City El Salvador Pro at Punta Roca, an event expected to attract leading international surfers, global media attention and increased visitor spending alon...

Humanitarian Agencies Warn of Rising Food Insecurity in El Salvador’s Dry Corridor

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network said irregular rainfall, weak harvests and elevated maize prices are expected to worsen food insecurity for vulnerable households in eastern and western parts of El Salvador through September.

FedEx Expands Air Cargo Capacity Between Central America and the United States

FedEx announced additional daily Boeing freighter operations linking Honduras and Guatemala with the United States, doubling cargo capacity to more than 45 tons per flight as export volumes from the region continue to grow.

Traditional Remittances to El Salvador Increase Seven Percent in First Quarter

The Central Reserve Bank reported that family remittances rose 7% year over year to more than $2.4 billion in the first quarter, providing continued support for household spending and the broader consumer economy.

El Salvador Reports Sharp Rise in Cryptocurrency-Based Remittances

The Central Reserve Bank said remittances processed through cryptocurrency wallets reached $23 million during the first four months of 2026, a 44% increase from a year earlier and a sign of growing use of the country’s digital financial ...

US Aviation Advisory Warns of Navigation Disruptions Over Pacific Coast of Central America

The Federal Aviation Administration cautioned commercial airlines about possible satellite navigation interference and encounters with uncooperative military aircraft over parts of the Pacific region, amid intensified regional security o...

European Union Advances Partnership Talks With Central American Bloc

European officials are pursuing a broader geopolitical and trade agreement with the Central American integration system, seeking deeper commercial ties and regulatory cooperation as regional governments balance relationships with major g...

El Salvador Moves Toward Nuclear Power Development Under New Energy Law

Authorities are preparing to implement the country’s newly approved Nuclear Energy Law later this month, advancing plans developed under a cooperation agreement with the United States aimed at establishing El Salvador’s first nuclear pow...

Honduras Captures Suspected Architect of Deadly Attack on Plantation Workers

National security forces arrested a gang leader known as Black Cat, whom authorities accuse of organizing the killing of 19 workers at a palm plantation in the Bajo Aguán region, an area affected by disputes linked to extortion and drug ...

Honduras Approves Expanded Military Security Powers Amid Rising Cartel Violence

Lawmakers backed broad security reforms that authorize greater military involvement in domestic policing and classify major criminal groups as terrorist organizations following escalating violence and the killing of police officers near ...

El Salvador Launches Landmark Water Modernization Project for San Salvador Metropolitan Area

El Salvador’s government and the National Administration of Aqueducts and Sewers signed a major agreement with Spanish consortium Aguas de Valencia and BTD to modernize the capital’s water network, reduce system losses, and install more ...

United States Designates Major Brazilian Crime Syndicates as Terrorist Organizations

The United States Treasury Department formally designated Brazil’s First Capital Command and Red Command as transnational terrorist organizations, expanding Washington’s use of counter-narcotics authorities as both groups increase their ...

Costa Rican Banks Introduce Processing Fee Affecting Foreign Card Payments

International visitors using payment cards in Costa Rica are encountering a new six percent processing fee imposed by major domestic banks, adding costs for travelers and highlighting ongoing challenges in regional digital finance modern...

International Gas Union Highlights Energy Development Potential Across Central America

A new report from the International Gas Union points to opportunities for natural gas investment, improved regional connectivity, and expanded energy access across Latin America and the Caribbean, including El Salvador.

Canadian Visitors Drive Growth in Central American Eco-Tourism

Tourism authorities across Central America report a sharp increase in arrivals from Canada, helping diversify visitor markets and boosting demand for sustainable and nature-focused travel experiences.

Delta Air Lines Restores New York–Costa Rica Route as Tourism Demand Grows

Delta Air Lines has resumed nonstop service between New York and Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, strengthening air connectivity and supporting continued growth in the Central American tourism sector.

El Salvador Gains Recognition on Global Sustainable Travel Rankings

International travel indexes have highlighted El Salvador’s eco-tourism and sustainable development efforts, reflecting growing interest in the country’s coastal infrastructure upgrades and Surf City initiatives.

US Embassy Issues Flood and Landslide Warning for El Salvador During Hurricane Season

Following forecasts for an active Atlantic hurricane season, the US Embassy in San Salvador has advised residents and investors to prepare for possible flooding, landslides, and disruptions to transportation and infrastructure.

Costa Rica Investigates Police Officers Accused of Illegal Raid and Robbery

Four members of the Fuerza Pública have been detained as part of an investigation into an alleged unlawful home raid and theft, raising renewed concerns about misconduct within law enforcement ranks.

Costa Rican Investigators Warn of Sharp Rise in Virtual Kidnapping Scams

Judicial investigators report that complaints involving virtual kidnapping extortion schemes have surged sevenfold over the past year, with criminals increasingly targeting both residents and foreign visitors.