The District Court of the State of Sinaloa in Mexico has granted authorization for the entry of cooked shrimp from Honduras. This decision comes as a relief for the Honduran shrimp industry, providing a positive outlook despite ongoing challenges. However, it’s essential to note that the embargo on fresh shrimp from Honduras remains in place.

Legal Confirmation

Juan Carlos Javier, President of the National Association of Aquaculturists of Honduras (ANDAH), confirmed this significant development to LA PRENSA. He emphasized that the judge’s approval underscores that cooked and packaged shrimp do not pose the alleged risks to the population initially cited as grounds for the embargo.

The temporary ban on importing shrimp from Central American countries, including Honduras, was initially imposed on January 24. This action was taken following complaints by Mexican producers regarding alleged shrimp triangulation from Ecuador. However, both ANDAH and the Association of Small and Medium Aquaculture Farmers of the South (APEMASUR) refuted these allegations, citing Honduras’s lack of protocols or certifications for importing Ecuadorian shrimp.

Implications for the Industry

Last year, Honduras exported a significant quantity of shrimp to the Mexican market, totaling 22.2 million pounds. The majority of these exports comprised frozen products, with a smaller percentage consisting of value-added items. Despite challenges, exports to Mexico amounted to USD 64.7 million, making it a crucial market for Honduran shrimp producers.

To address concerns and verify compliance with regulations, a technical mission comprising experts from the National Agri-Food Health, Safety, and Quality Service (SENASICA) will inspect shrimp farms and processing plants in Choluteca and Valle. Scheduled from March 11 to 15, this mission aims to review production and export data to ensure that Honduras does not engage in shrimp triangulation with Ecuadorian products.