The Foreign Minister of Honduras, Eduardo Enrique Reina, recently announced significant progress in negotiations with Mexico aimed at resolving the issue of access for Honduran shrimp to the Mexican market.

Positive Developments

Minister Reina, through his social media channels, highlighted the advancements made in ensuring access for Honduran shrimp to Mexico. He noted a pivotal moment on April 30 when a Mexican judge imposed a provisional measure that recognized an excess prohibition on cooked shrimp, effectively lifting the suspension that had previously blocked entry of this product.

The Honduran Embassy has been actively engaged in supporting a process initiated by a local shrimp company in coordination with the Secretariat of Economic Development. Continuous efforts are underway to secure and facilitate access for Honduran shrimp into the Mexican market.

Impact on Aquaculture Sector

The shrimp industry in Honduras has faced significant challenges due to the closure of key markets and subsequent production declines. Small and medium-sized aquaculture farmers reported a staggering 90 percent drop in shrimp production, leading to operational reductions among larger industry players.

Wilmer Cruz, President of the Association of Small and Medium Aquaculture Farmers of the South, highlighted the severity of the situation, referring to it as the worst crisis the shrimp sector has encountered. Over 200 farms have closed operations, causing widespread uncertainty among local producers about the future of shrimp production.