Maquila

A World Bank report warns that artificial intelligence could gradually automate physical manufacturing tasks in Honduras's garment industry, which employs about 140,000 workers directly, making workforce retraining and technical skills crucial to protect jobs.

Endy Yadira Jiménez Calderón, a supervisor at an apparel factory in Naco, Quimistán, Santa Bárbara, died at work on Monday after suffering a health collapse; authorities are investigating the circumstances, and coworkers have called for a full investigation into her death.

A union leader called the suspension of 300 workers at a garment factory in El Progreso an indirect layoff, warning that after 120 days without work most lose their jobs permanently and urging affected employees to file a collective claim for severance and benefits.

Honduras's maquila exports fell 8.0% year-over-year through July 2026 to $2.91 billion, driven by a $221.3 million decline in textile and apparel sales to the US and reduced electrical-harness shipments, with industry leaders warning of global trade reconfiguration.

Economic Development Minister Eddy Ordóñez said the government is shifting from steep fines to warnings and guidance for small businesses, has conducted over 1,500 compliance trainings, and expects to announce a manufacturing-sector expansion creating more than 1,600 jobs.

Union leader Evangelina Argueta warned that potential US tariffs on Honduran textile exports could raise production costs and threaten thousands of jobs in an industry already reeling from 60,000 layoffs, and called for urgent tripartite talks between government, workers, and employers.

The government and private-sector leaders, including Cohep president Anabel Gallardo, have lobbied US officials to prevent tariff increases, warning that higher duties on maquila and coffee exports would cost jobs and drive migration.

A northern-zone union leader cited over 1.5 million unemployed Hondurans, noting that older workers displaced by maquiladora closures face age discrimination and limited rehiring prospects despite government job-creation promises.

Honduras's ambassador to Colombia announced a strategy to deepen economic ties and attract Colombian capital to maquila manufacturing, banking, agribusiness, and automotive production to create jobs and boost exports.

The Inter-American Development Bank ranked Honduras among the region's fastest-growing exporters in early 2026, led by coffee, apparel manufacturing, bananas, and palm oil, though it warned of risks from market volatility and rising costs.

Honduras shipped $3.61 billion in goods in the first three months of 2026, an 11.5% year-over-year increase led by coffee, apparel manufacturing, bananas, and palm oil, according to the Inter-American Development Bank.

Honduras's merchandise exports reached $3.61 billion in the first three months of 2026, a 11.5% year-on-year increase driven by coffee, apparel manufacturing, bananas, and palm oil, according to an Inter-American Development Bank report.

Honduras's apparel-manufacturing sector has created roughly 2,000 new jobs in recent months and reported fewer mass layoff announcements, though unions warn that thousands remain jobless and call for dialogue to accelerate rehiring.