Browse Honduras Daily Stories

Foreign direct investment in Honduras represents less than 1% of GDP—about $223 million last quarter—while remittances account for roughly 27% of GDP, prompting business leaders to urge steps to attract capital and create formal jobs.

The maquila industry generates about 130,000 jobs, contributes 45–50% of Honduras's gross exports, and projects $5.5 billion in shipments for 2026, though sector leaders say stronger investment climate and security are needed to sustain growth.

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.

Honduras's maquiladora sector lost roughly 40,000 jobs in 2025 as companies closed and relocated, even as the government announces a potential 4,000-job textile plant and says a US tariff on Honduran goods is straining competitiveness.

The Part-Time Employment Law, enacted in March 2026 and intended to create 250,000 jobs, has produced only 60 registered contracts so far, prompting business groups to seek reforms before the year-end holiday season; the Labor Secretary attributes slow uptake to widespread labor informality.

Analyst Henry Rodríguez says Honduras must invest approximately $4.2 billion annually to generate between 70,000 and 80,000 jobs per year.

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.