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Honduran Shrimp Farmers Miss Taiwan and Hope for a Better Offer from China

Marcovia,  - Small-scale shrimp farmers in southern Honduras lament the loss of the Taiwanese market, which offered competitive prices for their product, and express frustration over the lack of solid trade agreements with China more than a year after diplomatic relations were established, according to EFE.

In March 2023, Honduras severed ties with Taiwan and established relations with China, raising expectations among economic sectors like aquaculture. However, this shift has severely affected shrimp farmers, who relied on the stability of the Taiwanese market and now face uncertainty and losses..

Javier Amador, director of the National Aquaculture Association of Honduras (ANDAH), stated in June that Honduras could export up to 250 containers of shrimp to China. However, by October, he revealed that China had only purchased one container, describing the response as "unpleasant and rude."

Rafael Montoya, a small shrimp farmer from Marcovia, expressed his concerns: "If that shrimp returns to the local market, it will flood us, and we, the small producers, won’t be able to sell." According to Montoya, the situation was more favorable with Taiwan, but now he faces the closure of packing plants and low prices imposed by intermediaries.

Damage from Tropical Storm Sara

The situation for shrimp farmers worsened with Tropical Storm Sara in November, which caused heavy rains and rivers like the Choluteca to overflow. The flooding damaged levees and artificial ponds, ruining crops and mixing freshwater with saltwater, destroying shrimp farms.

Montoya reported losing 5,000 pounds (approximately 2,270 kilograms or 2.27 tons) of shrimp, valued at around $7,000, and showcased the destruction in his ponds. He produces 8,000 pounds (approximately 3,630 kilograms or 3.63 tons) of shrimp per cycle on 4.5 hectares but highlighted that he only farms small shrimp, as larger ones are too costly.

Despite the losses, Montoya plans to continue farming, though he depends on loans to acquire larvae and feed. "We will continue, but with many difficulties," he concluded.

Farmers hope that President Xiomara Castro’s government will secure effective trade agreements with China to stabilize the sector and ensure its sustainability.

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Address:	Barrio Guadalupe, 1 cuadra al Norte de Escuela Cabañas
City:	Choluteca
State/ZIP:	C.A. (51101)
Country:	Honduras
Phone:	+504 782 0986
Fax:	+504 782 3848
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