Honduras reduces pineapple exports

Despite increasing production following the pandemic, Honduras has experienced a decline in pineapple exports so far in 2025. In the first two months of the year, the country exported 5.9 million kilos worth US$3.2 million — lower than the same period in 2024, when 9.5 million kilos were shipped, generating US$5.2 million, according to the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH).

Although the country set a record in 2022 with 74 million kilos exported for US$40.7 million, volumes dropped to 67.7 million in 2023 and to 63.5 million in 2024. The vast majority of Honduran pineapples (92.8%) are shipped to the United States, followed by Belgium, Guatemala, and El Salvador, according to Pronagro-SAG.

The global pineapple market grew from 3.2 to 3.8 million tons between 2019 and 2023, according to the FAO, while total trade value surpassed US$3.2 billion. The U.S. and the European Union account for 84% of global purchases, with growing interest in organic pineapples and the MD2 variety produced in Honduras.

However, Honduras has not expanded its cultivation area to keep pace with this demand. Between 2005 and 2024, the country exported more than 1.2 billion kilos, generating a total of US$539 million.

Medardo Galindo of the Federation of Agroexporters of Honduras suggests that El Salvador could be a promising destination to boost sales, while organizations like the WTO and IICA recommend diversifying the country’s agricultural export portfolio. Emerging markets such as China are also seen as opportunities for expansion. In contrast, Honduras imported nearly US$900,000 worth of pineapples in 2024, mainly from neighboring countries.

source: laprensa.hn

photo: revistaeyn.com