El Salvador's Maize Production Anticipated Below Average Due to El Niño

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations reports that El Salvador's maize production prospects for 2026 are curtailed due to El Niño. The country's maize crops are being harvested, but output is anticipated below average following severe drought conditions. The government declared a nationwide red alert in August 2026 due to the adverse weather. Satellite imagery indicated very poor crop conditions in central and eastern areas, where about 40 percent of total maize production is concentrated. Cereal import requirements in 2026/27 are anticipated above average due to strong demand and expected production shortfalls. Prices of maize and beans were below year-earlier levels in August 2026, despite rising prices of red beans in Nicaragua.