Promote:
Export from Honduras
A short guide for companies selling from Honduras: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Honduras sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$6.97 billion
Merchandise exports were US$6,970,519,872 in 2024 as UN Comtrade reports them, including re-exports.
Source: UN Comtrade, Honduras exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Services exports
US$3.89 billion
Services exports were US$3,893.24 million in 2025, from the WTO, UNCTAD and ITC services data on UNCTADstat.
Source: UNCTADstat, trade in services by category, Honduras (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2024
- 1. Coffee (HS 0901)US$1.28 billion
- 2. Insulated electric wire and cable (HS 8544)US$1.27 billion
- 3. Palm oil (HS 1511)US$396.8 million
- 4. Shrimp and other crustaceans (HS 0306)US$310.3 million
- 5. Bananas and plantains (HS 0803)US$237.2 million
- 6. Gold, unwrought or semi-manufactured (HS 7108)US$193.2 million
- 7. Plastic packaging articles (HS 3923)US$158.4 million
- 8. Cigars and cigarettes (HS 2402)US$145.3 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Cane sugar (HS 1701)US$127.8 million
- 10. Bread, pastries and biscuits (HS 1905)US$117.4 million
- 11. Animal feed preparations (HS 2309)US$112.7 million
- 12. Fresh vegetables (HS 0709)US$107.8 million
- 13. Melons and papayas (HS 0807)US$100.2 million
- 14. Soap (HS 3401)US$92.1 million
- 15. Prepared and preserved fruit and nuts (HS 2008)US$82.1 million
- 16. Flavor and fragrance mixtures (HS 3302)US$81.7 million
- 17. Vehicle lighting and signaling equipment (HS 8512)US$80.4 million
- 18. Raw tobacco (HS 2401)US$67.6 million
- 19. Paper and paperboard packaging (HS 4819)US$64.9 million
- 20. Food preparations (HS 2106)US$57.6 million
- Comtrade flow X includes re-exports, so the ranking is not domestic exports alone. Source (opens in a new tab)
- The central bank reports US$5,408.8 million of 2024 maquila exports, US$3,427.4 million of them apparel; wiring harnesses (HS 8544) appear in this ranking, but maquila apparel does not. Quote apparel exports from the central bank's table, not this ranking. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Honduras exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Where the goods go
2024, share of goods exports
- United States46.8%
- El Salvador6.8%
- Guatemala6.7%
- Nicaragua5.5%
- Mexico4.8%
- Germany3.8%
- Netherlands2.5%
- Belgium2.4%
- Honduras reports export values free on board; the grouping Areas, not elsewhere specified, is 1.0 percent of 2024 exports and is left out. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Honduras exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks coffee, shrimp and other crustaceans and bananas and plantains as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Honduras’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Honduras exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Food preparations grew 69% from 2023 to 2024; fresh vegetables grew 20% from 2023 to 2024. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Honduras exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
The United States takes 46.8% of Honduras’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: UN Comtrade, Honduras exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
Central American Common Market (CACM)
Lets qualifying goods move within Central America under shared tariff and customs rules.
Shipments within the region use the Central American customs declaration; check the rules for sensitive products.
Source: WTO RTA database, Central American Common Market card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR)
Lets qualifying Honduran goods enter the United States and the Dominican Republic duty free or at reduced duty.
Rules-based preference. The United States adds a Section 301 duty from July 24, 2026, with exemptions that include qualifying textiles and apparel.
Source: WTO RTA database, CAFTA-DR agreement card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
European Union-Central America Association Agreement
Gives qualifying Honduran goods preferential access to the European Union market.
Rules-based preference; the trade pillar has applied provisionally to Honduras since August 1, 2013, and origin proof is needed for each claim.
Source: European Commission, trade relations with Central America (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
United Kingdom-Central America Association Agreement
Gives qualifying Honduran goods preferential access to the United Kingdom market.
Rules-based preference; origin proof is needed for each claim.
Source: WTO RTA database, United Kingdom–Central America card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 9 more agreements
Canada-Honduras Free Trade Agreement
Gives qualifying Honduran goods preferential access to Canada.
Rules-based preference; check the origin rules for your product.
Source: WTO RTA database, Canada–Honduras agreement card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Mexico-Central America Free Trade Agreement
Gives qualifying Honduran goods preferential access to Mexico.
Rules-based preference; the WTO card lists the entry into force date for Honduras.
Source: WTO RTA database, Mexico–Central America agreement card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Colombia-Northern Triangle Free Trade Agreement
Gives qualifying Honduran goods preferential access to Colombia.
Rules-based preference; phase-in periods run to 2029 for goods.
Source: WTO RTA database, Colombia–Northern Triangle agreement card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chile-Honduras Free Trade Agreement
Gives qualifying Honduran goods preferential access to Chile.
Rules-based preference; check the origin rules for your product.
Source: WTO RTA database, Chile–Honduras agreement card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Panama-Honduras Free Trade Agreement
Gives qualifying Honduran goods preferential access to Panama.
Rules-based preference; check the origin rules for your product.
Source: WTO RTA database, Panama–Honduras agreement card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Peru-Honduras Free Trade Agreement
Gives qualifying Honduran goods preferential access to Peru.
Rules-based preference; check the origin rules for your product.
Source: WTO RTA database, Peru–Honduras agreement card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Korea-Central America Free Trade Agreement
Gives qualifying Honduran goods preferential access to South Korea.
Rules-based preference; phase-in periods run to 2039 for goods.
Source: WTO RTA database, Korea–Central America agreement card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement
Gives qualifying Honduran goods preferential access to the Dominican Republic.
Rules-based preference; CAFTA-DR also covers trade with the Dominican Republic.
Source: WTO RTA database, Dominican Republic–Central America card (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Early Harvest Agreement of the China-Honduras free trade agreement
Gives one Honduran product and one Chinese product preferential tariff treatment under origin rules set in the agreement.
Limited to two products; the SDE issues the origin certificates and the full free trade agreement is still being negotiated.
Source: La Gaceta, agreement 094-2024, China early harvest (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of August 24, 2024
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Honduras
- Register the company with the tax administration to get the national tax number (RTN) used in trade filings.Servicio de Administración de RentasOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SAR, national taxpayer registry (RTN) page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Ask the SDE once for SECEH access, with a signed company letter, constitution deed and tax number.Secretaría de Desarrollo EconómicoFree; 1 day, per the SDE trade portal.Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SDE trade portal, wood export procedures (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Identify the company to the central bank as an exporter with form CUMP-3 for companies or CUMP-3A for individuals.Banco Central de HondurasFree; 2 days, per the SDE trade portal.Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SDE trade portal, wood export procedures (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Request the export declaration in SECEH so the central bank authorizes it before you ship.Banco Central de HondurasNo cost to the exporter, per the central bank.Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Central Bank of Honduras, export declaration page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 8 more export steps
- If you export coffee, register in the coffee registry kept by the coffee institute before you ship.Instituto Hondureño del CaféOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SDE trade portal, coffee export procedures (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- If you export wood, obtain the CITES certificate from the forest conservation institute.Instituto Nacional de Conservación y Desarrollo ForestalOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SDE trade portal, wood export procedures (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Request the certificate of origin that fits the destination: EUR1 and similar certificates from the SDE treaties directorate, others in SECEH.Secretaría de Desarrollo EconómicoOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SDE, treaties directorate and origin certificates page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- For plant or animal products, request the phytosanitary or zoosanitary certificate in SECEH.Servicio Nacional de Sanidad e Inocuidad AgroalimentariaAbout 3 days; fee scale by weight on the portal (2021).Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SDE trade portal, phytosanitary certificate page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- For processed food and drink, get the establishment sanitary license first, then the product sanitary registration.Agencia de Regulación SanitariaOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ARSA, frequently asked questions (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- File the customs export declaration; exports outside Central America use the DUCA-D form.Administración Aduanera de HondurasUS$5 for the form and 1 day (2021 portal).Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SDE trade portal, DUCA-D export declaration page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Sell the foreign currency from the export through an authorized exchange agent within the period in the declaration.Banco Central de HondurasOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Central Bank of Honduras, export declaration page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- If you import inputs to make exports, ask the SDE about the Temporary Import Regime or the free zone regimes.Secretaría de Desarrollo EconómicoOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SDE, special regimes and productive sectors page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with SDE and INE. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
Ministry of economic development
SDE
Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico
Runs the export procedures center CENTREX and its electronic system SECEH, issues several certificates of origin, and manages the free zone and temporary import regimes.
Visit SDE (opens in a new tab)Source: SDE, business procedures and CENTREX page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Research markets
National statistics office
INE
Instituto Nacional de Estadística
Publishes national statistics, including a foreign trade yearbook and a directory of economic establishments.
Visit INE (opens in a new tab)Source: National Statistics Institute, foreign trade yearbook page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Central bank
BCH
Banco Central de Honduras
Authorizes the export declaration that every exporter files and sets the exchange rules for selling export proceeds.
Visit BCH (opens in a new tab)Source: Central Bank of Honduras, export declaration page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Meet requirements
Tax administration
SAR
Servicio de Administración de Rentas
Registers taxpayers and issues the national tax number (RTN) that companies need for trade and investment filings.
Visit SAR (opens in a new tab)Source: SAR, national taxpayer registry (RTN) page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 1 more organization
Finance ministry
SEFIN
Secretaría de Finanzas
Administers exemption regimes such as the Temporary Import Regime and publishes consolidated texts of the special tax regimes.
Visit SEFIN (opens in a new tab)Source: Finance Ministry, statement on Temporary Import Regime, 2026 (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of February 13, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
Plant and animal health authority
SENASA
Servicio Nacional de Sanidad e Inocuidad Agroalimentaria
Certifies the plant and animal health requirements that farm and food exports must meet.
Visit SENASA (opens in a new tab)Source: La Gaceta, SENASA board agreement 001-2025, 2025 (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of June 18, 2025
- Meet requirements
Sanitary regulation agency
ARSA
Agencia de Regulación Sanitaria
Issues sanitary licenses to food and beverage establishments and sanitary registrations to their products.
Visit ARSA (opens in a new tab)Source: ARSA, frequently asked questions (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Electricity regulator
CREE
Comisión Reguladora de Energía Eléctrica
Sets and publishes electricity tariffs and rules that affect power-intensive investment projects.
Visit CREE (opens in a new tab)Source: Electricity regulator, home page with 2026 tariffs (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Industrial association
ANDI
Asociación Nacional de Industriales de Honduras
Represents industry, and the SDE sheet says its office sells the form for the generalized preferences certificate of origin.
Visit ANDI (opens in a new tab)Source: SDE, requirements for generalized preferences origin certificate (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Get advice
Maquila industry association
AHM
Asociación Hondureña de Maquiladores
Represents about 330 member companies in textile and apparel manufacturing and automotive harnesses, with legal advice and training.
Visit AHM (opens in a new tab)Source: Honduran Manufacturers Association, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Get advice
Chamber of commerce
CCIC
Cámara de Comercio e Industrias de Cortés
Organizes trade missions and business meetings and runs a business portal that gathers procedures from several institutions.
Visit CCIC (opens in a new tab)Source: Cortés chamber of commerce, home page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Get advice
Business federation
COHEP
Consejo Hondureño de la Empresa Privada
Brings together business organizations and takes private-sector positions on economic policy with the government.
Visit COHEP (opens in a new tab)Source: COHEP, home page with October 2026 news (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
6. Worth knowing
United States tariffs on Honduras
Since July 24, 2026, Honduran goods face an added 10 percent Section 301 duty in the United States, with exemptions such as free-entry textiles and apparel under the trade agreement.
What to do: Check the heading and your agreement claim in the CBP guidance before you quote a buyer.
Sources: CBP, Section 301 forced labor duties guidance, July 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab); USTR, forced labor Section 301 action, July 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Currency and settlement
Exporters must sell the foreign currency from each export through authorized exchange agents within the declared period, and late proceeds bring penalties.
What to do: Request the declaration before you ship and set payment terms to fit its period.
Sources: Central Bank of Honduras, export declaration page (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab); Central Bank of Honduras, exchange rate policy description (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Inflation above target range
Annual inflation was 6.28 percent in September 2026, above the central bank tolerance range of 4.0 percent plus or minus 1 percentage point.
What to do: Review price clauses and cost forecasts in contracts that run past the next quarter.
Sources: Central Bank, consumer price index, September 2026 (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab); Central Bank, consumer price index, December 2025 (in Spanish) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Honduras project.
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Promote:Honduras is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 31, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.