Trade

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.