Honduras’ exports Surge 33% in 2025, driving economic growth

Honduras recorded a historic year-on-year growth in merchandise exports, excluding maquila, during the first quarter of 2025, according to the latest foreign trade report by the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH).

Export value surges by over $480 million

From January to March 2025, the total value of Honduran merchandise exports reached $1.9589 billion, compared to $1.4759 billion during the same period in 2024. This represents a significant year-on-year increase of $483 million, or 32.7%.

Coffee exports lead the surge

The BCH attributes this strong performance mainly to a sharp rise in coffee exports, both in price and volume. “The value of Honduran coffee exports reached $867.8 million, an increase of $489.6 million compared to the first quarter of 2024,” the report states.

This increase was driven by a historic 83.6% rise in international coffee prices, with the average price per 46-kilogram sack climbing to $355.32, which is $161.82 higher than during the same period in the previous year.

Global market uncertainty boosts coffee prices

According to the BCH, the surge in coffee prices is linked to global concerns over future supply, especially due to expectations of a lower harvest in Brazil, which is experiencing a low-yield cycle. In addition, global market volatility intensified by protectionist trade policies, has further pushed prices upward in futures markets.

Coffee volume also increases by 25%

The volume of exported coffee also grew by 25%, reaching 2.4 million sacks of 46 kilograms each, an increase of 488,000 sacks compared to the same period in 2024. The BCH links this growth to a favorable coffee cycle and successful strategies by local producers, with government support, to improve the sustainability and productivity of coffee farms.

Among these strategies, the gradual renovation of coffee plantations without halting production stands out. This approach aims to increase both the quantity and quality of the coffee bean.

Comparison with previous years

A technical source at the BCH emphasized the historic nature of the 2025 export performance. In contrast, the first quarter of 2023-2024 saw a decline in export values, dropping from $1.6006 billion to $1.4759 billion.

Moreover, total merchandise exports during the 2023-2024 period fell from $5.951 billion to $5.6383 billion, marking a decrease of $312.7 million and a contraction of 5.3 percentage points.

Outlook for the rest of 2025

According to the BCH, this historic momentum in coffee exports is expected to have a positive impact on Honduras’ foreign exchange earnings and will likely contribute to overall economic growth by the end of 2025.

This unprecedented export performance marks a pivotal moment for Honduras’ economy in 2025. With coffee driving the surge and global demand supporting high prices, the country is poised to strengthen its position in international trade. Continued investment in sustainable agricultural practices and market resilience will be key to maintaining this upward trajectory in the months ahead