Coffee was first introduced to El Salvador in the late-1700s, primarily for domestic consumption. When indigo dye exports collapsed in the 1840s, coffee overtook indigo as El Salvador’s chief export. By the 1920s, coffee accounted for 90% of exports, creating an oligarchy while widening inequality.
Decline and Importance of Coffee in El Salvador
In recent years, the coffee industry in El Salvador has shown a greater decline. Increased world competition since 2000 has caused prices to plummet, resulting in significant job losses and environmental impact. However, coffee remains economically vital in some regions.
Significance of Coffee in El Salvador
Coffee quickly became one of El Salvador’s most important exports, fueling economic growth and shaping the country’s social and cultural landscape. El Salvador is considered one of the top coffee-producing countries in the world, known for its high-quality Arabica beans grown in fertile volcanic soils.