A Honduran shrimp company has made history by signing a landmark contract with two Chinese firms, becoming the first national shrimp exporter to penetrate the lucrative Asian market. The agreement, involving Camarsur and the Chinese corporations Chinatex and China Ctexic Corporation, was formalized at the Honduran embassy in Beijing.

Quality Recognized by the Asian Market

Diana Bonilla, a representative from Camarsur, expressed her delight over the recognition from China. “We are very excited to be the pioneers by signing these contracts, which represent a great relief for our company and for the Honduran shrimp industry in general,” Bonilla stated. Her remarks highlight the significance of this achievement for Camarsur, headquartered in Choluteca, and for the broader Honduran shrimp sector.

Honduran ambassador to China, Sir Salvador Moncada, underscored the importance of the agreement, describing it as a “monumental achievement” for the industry. Moncada emphasized the coordinated effort by the Honduran Foreign Ministry to facilitate this breakthrough, which marks a major milestone for the country’s shrimp exporters.

Origins of the Agreement

The successful agreement between Camarsur and the Chinese companies emerged from Camarsur’s participation at the China International Seafood & Fisheries Expo 2024. The event, held in Fuzhou from May 31 to June 2, provided a platform for Camarsur to showcase its shrimp, ultimately leading to the signing of these contracts.

The Honduran shrimp sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, particularly following Honduras’ diplomatic shift from Taiwan to China. This geopolitical change resulted in a reduction of shrimp exports and the imposition of a 20% tariff on sales to Taiwan. The new agreement with Chinese firms represents a critical opportunity for the Honduran shrimp industry to diversify its market and mitigate the impact of these export barriers.