Imports

A new regulation taking effect October 6 will require both domestic and imported cement sold in Honduras to meet established quality standards, with authorities aiming to reduce construction risks while maintaining fair competition.

Merchandise imports grew 11.3% year-over-year in the first seven months of 2026, driven mainly by increased purchases of fuel and transport equipment, particularly commercial vehicles.

The Honduran lempira has weakened past 27 per dollar, raising costs for basic goods, fuel, medicines, and utilities in an import-dependent economy where domestic production cannot meet demand.

The US dollar reached L27.00 per dollar, extending lempira weakness that economists warn will raise prices for imported goods, fuel, and agricultural inputs across Honduras's economy.

The Honduran lempira has depreciated to 26.98 per dollar and economist Dante Mossi warns the currency could break the 27-lempira barrier by late September or early October, potentially raising prices for imported goods including fuel.

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.

Honduran onion growers met with the Agriculture Ministry to press for relief from imports they say threaten local planting and supply.

The government announced imports of beans from Brazil, Nicaragua, and Paraguay to prevent shortages affecting 1.7 million people facing food insecurity, but an agricultural anthropologist warns the strategy undermines local farmers and discourages domestic production.

Honduras's trade deficit in goods reached $2.98 billion through May 2026, up 12.8% year-over-year, driven by rising imports and a decline in maquila (assembly-for-export) trade.

Honduras's general-merchandise imports increased by $660 million, driven mainly by higher purchases of fuel, transport equipment, and industrial supplies that accounted for $629.6 million of the gain.

Customs revenue from import duties (DAI) surged 18% year-over-year, reflecting stronger commercial activity and modernization efforts by the Customs Administration to streamline procedures and reduce processing times.

The Honduran fuel distributors' association says price reductions take longer to reach consumers than increases because of volatile global markets, summer demand surges abroad, and geopolitical uncertainty around Middle Eastern shipping routes.

Honduras's exports grew 2.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by increased sales of coffee, crude oil, cigars, and services, while imports rose 2.1% due to higher purchases of industrial inputs, machinery, transport equipment, and fuel.