US Import Tariffs from El Salvador
Applicable Tariff Rates for El Salvador-Origin Goods
The following rates apply to goods with El Salvador country of origin imported into the United States. All rates are ad valorem (percentage of customs value) unless noted.
| Tariff Type | Rate | Applies To | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFN / General Rate | Varies by HTS code | All goods (baseline) | In Effect |
| CAFTA-DR Preferential Rate | 0% (qualifying goods) | Goods meeting rules of origin | In Effect |
El Salvador is a CAFTA-DR partner. Qualifying goods can enter the US at 0% duty — but you must provide a valid Certificate of Origin and meet rules of origin requirements. Verify classification and ROO before claiming preferential treatment.
Top US Imports from El Salvador
These product categories represent the highest-volume imports from El Salvador into the United States. Each category has specific HTS codes, duty rates, and compliance requirements.
Get the Exact HTS Code + Duty Rate
Enter your product description. Our AI classifier returns the correct HTS code, applicable duty rates, and El Salvador Section 301/FTA status.
CBP Compliance for El Salvador-Origin Goods
CAFTA-DR. El Salvador uses USD — no currency risk. Apparel subject to yarn-forward rules.
Country of Origin Requirements
All goods imported from El Salvador must be marked with their country of origin per CBP regulations (19 CFR 134). Goods must be "substantially transformed" in El Salvador to claim El Salvador origin — assembly alone is typically insufficient.
Apparel CAFTA rules of origin. Sugar TRQ provisions.
Landed Cost from El Salvador
Get a complete cost breakdown including duty, MPF, HMF, freight, and insurance for El Salvador-origin shipments.
Common Questions About Importing from El Salvador
The blended average US tariff rate for imports from El Salvador is approximately 0% (CAFTA qualifying). This rate reflects a weighted average across the country's top exported product categories to the US. El Salvador benefits from the CAFTA-DR, which may reduce or eliminate duties for qualifying goods. Actual rates depend on the specific 10-digit HTS code of the imported product.
Yes. El Salvador has a trade agreement with the US: CAFTA-DR (CAFTA-DR (0% qualifying)). Qualifying goods may enter at preferential (often 0%) duty rates, but must meet the agreement's rules of origin requirements. Importers must file the appropriate certificate of origin documentation with CBP to claim preferential rates.
El Salvador is NOT subject to Section 301 tariffs. Only China-origin goods face Section 301 additional duties. Section 232 tariffs (25% on steel, 10% on aluminum) apply to El Salvador with potential quota or exemption arrangements under CAFTA-DR for steel and aluminum products.
Importing from El Salvador — Complete 2026 Analysis
US–El Salvador Trade Relationship
El Salvador benefits from CAFTA-DR. Key exports include apparel, coffee, sugar, and seafood. The apparel sector is the primary manufacturing export.
Practical Import Guidance for El Salvador-Origin Goods
CAFTA-DR provides 0% duty on qualifying goods. Apparel ROO requires yarn-forward compliance for duty-free treatment. Coffee enters at 0%. Agricultural products require USDA/APHIS phytosanitary inspection.
Key Risks and Compliance Considerations
CAFTA-DR textile ROO. Sugar TRQ. Limited manufacturing base. Agricultural compliance.
Total Tariff Stack for El Salvador-Origin Imports
Understanding the cumulative tariff layers for El Salvador is essential for accurate landed cost calculation:
- Base MFN Rate: 0% (CAFTA qualifying) (varies by HTS code)
- CAFTA-DR Preferential Rate: 0% for qualifying goods with proper documentation
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% of entered value (min $31.67, max $614.35 per entry)
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% of cargo value (ocean shipments only)
For a complete breakdown of your specific product's tariff exposure from El Salvador, order a $19 Tariff Exposure Report.
Tools for El Salvador Importers
Other US Trading Partner Tariff Profiles
Tariff rates are sourced from USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and Federal Register notices as of 2026-05-16. Section 301 rates reflect current USTR actions. Always verify with official sources before importing. AI-assisted analysis provided for informational purposes only — not legal or customs advice.