Trade

Year-over-year inflation on tradeable goods—those subject to international price swings—hit 6.95%, driven mainly by global fuel price fluctuations and rising shipping costs, the Central Bank reported.

Honduras has slashed wait times at the El Amatillo border crossing with El Salvador from over three days to roughly two hours through regulatory and infrastructure reforms, though digital commerce growth now poses new connectivity and financial barriers to regional trade.

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.

Honduras's customs agency collected L41 billion ($1.64 billion) through July 30, exceeding its mid-year target by more than 102%, with strong inflows from merchandise imports, vehicles, and fuel driving confidence it will surpass the full-year goal of L69 billion.

Honduran cacao is gaining international traction, with Switzerland and the United States among its largest buyers; Allen González, founder of Avenida Cacao, says better use of trade agreements could boost chocolate exports and create jobs for rural farmers and small processors.

Honduras's merchandise exports reached $3.8 billion in May 2026, up 12% year-over-year, driven by higher volumes of coffee, recycled products, and bananas.

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.

Honduras and the Dominican Republic extended their memorandum of understanding between their investment promotion agencies for another year through July 2027, aimed at attracting foreign investment and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

Officials say Puerto Cortés, which handles roughly 90% of Honduras's exports, could nearly triple its container throughput to 3 million annually with new wharf construction and land reclamation, bolstering the country's regional logistics position.

Honduras's customs authority collected nearly 29 billion lempiras (about $1.09 billion) in the first six months of 2026, up 13.4% from the same period last year, driven by increased import duties and technological upgrades to reduce evasion and contraband.

Honduras's main port expects to handle nearly 900,000 containers in 2026, underscoring its strategic importance to national and regional trade.