Tegucigalpa
The drastic drop in exports to Taiwan has deepened concerns, however, the reopening of Mexico will give respite to the Honduran aquaculture sector.
As of the first quarter of 2024, exports to Taiwan record a historic drop of 59.52% in volume. A report of the National Association of Aquaculturists of Honduras (Andah) indicates that in the first quarter of the 2023-2024 period the exports to Taiwan They fell from 8,446,445 to 3,406,490 pounds. In that period analyzed, 5,039,955 pounds were no longer exported.
The above impacted the foreign exchange generated by falling from 26.2 to 18.5 million dollars. In addition, the average price per pound was reduced from 3.10 to 2.35 dollars, a behavior attributed mainly to the application of the 20% tariff.
Since 2022, that Asian country remains the main market for shrimp farmed in Choluteca and Valle, displacing Mexico.
An Andah report reveals that in 2022, 29.1 million pounds were exported and in 2024 they dropped to 24.3 million.
The drop recorded last year has two explanations: a minor shrimp demand fresh due to the oversupply of product from Ecuador and the second is the 20% tariff that has been applied to Honduran products since December 5, 2023.
The application of the tariff derives from the breakdown of diplomatic relations of Honduras with Taiwanat the beginning of last year, to establish relations with Mainland China.
Juan Carlos Javierpresident of the Andah, said that the relationship with Taiwan does not have a commercial solution because it is a government decision. However, he recognizes that the 20% tariff has reduced the profit margin for the Honduran shrimpers, which before applying that tax was around one dollar per pound. The average price per kilogram of fresh shrimp in Taiwan It is 5.60 dollars.
