Rice Imports

The government approved importing 60,000 metric tons of rice from South America with zero tariffs through December 31, bypassing the 45% duty normally applied to countries without free-trade agreements, drawing criticism from domestic rice producers who say they lack guaranteed prices and a coherent agricultural plan.

Domestic rice output has fallen below 500,000 quintals against annual demand of 6 million, leaving Honduras to import roughly 90% of its supply from the US, Brazil, and Paraguay.