China Trade

Economist Rubén Darío Sorto warns that Honduras's diplomatic switch to mainland China has disrupted retail trade, calling the resulting shift in the trade balance with China 'brutal' for the Honduran economy.

Honduras has launched a shrimp-export initiative with China that aims to send over 100 shipping containers by year-end, projected to generate more than 350 million lempiras (about $14 million) in foreign exchange while establishing a consistent supply to the Chinese market.

The Cortés Chamber of Commerce president cited a sharp trade deficit with China—Honduras imports about $210 million monthly in Chinese goods while exporting far less—and called for equal competitive conditions and enforcement of tax and labor laws for all foreign investors.

Honduras imported over $3.06 billion in Chinese goods in 2025—34% technology and equipment, plus metal products and construction materials—widening the trade deficit with China to $3.13 billion as exports remain limited.