en.Wedoany.com Reported - A study conducted by Full Cycle Resource Consulting for Garson & Shaw reveals that second-hand American clothing enters the Salvadoran market in large volumes through organized sorting, grading, and retail networks, becoming the primary source of affordable apparel locally. The research analyzed 21.8 million items and found that 99.56% of second-hand clothing sells for under $15, with $3 being the most common price point. At the lowest tier, garments can cost as little as $0.15 to $0.33, making them accessible even to low-income households.

The report notes that El Salvador's post-pandemic inflation rate reached as high as 7.25%, with approximately 65% of the workforce employed in the informal sector, making second-hand clothing a durable solution for many families. The average border price for new clothing imports stands at $8.77 per kilogram, while second-hand clothing costs roughly a quarter of that—a price gap that underscores the vital role of used garments in meeting daily needs. The industry is highly organized, with enterprises operating sorting facilities and running multi-tier retail operations nationwide. A two-stage grading process determines quality and value, while an 8-to-12-week markdown cycle ensures inventory turnover. The study dispels the perception of a fragmented market, instead revealing characteristics of vertical integration and systematic price management.

Regional pricing varies: the central region, with higher urbanization and more formal employment, sees higher average prices, while the rural western region records lower prices. Between 96% and 99% of El Salvador's second-hand clothing imports originate from the United States, meaning any disruption to U.S. collection and export flows would directly impact the local market. Lisa Jepsen, CEO of Garson & Shaw, stated: "Reuse markets like El Salvador are not a secondary story in the textile circular economy—they are its foundation. This study demonstrates that the industry is built around responsibly meeting consumer demand, with clear quality grading, prices that keep clothing accessible, and distribution channels that reflect local purchasing power."

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