The head of the Ministry of Economic Development (SDE), Fredis Cerrato (center), together with representatives from both countries

Honduras Opens South Korean Doors for Prawns, Consolidating Market Diversification

HONDURAS
Friday, August 01, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

A Decade After FTA, Honduran Frozen Shrimp and Live Amphibians Begin Their Journey to the Demanding South Korean Market.

TEGUCIGALPA – Honduras has achieved a significant milestone in its trade policy by obtaining official approval for the export of shrimp and fish to South Korea, thereby cementing a new chapter in bilateral trade relations, more than ten years after the signing of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries. This achievement represents a crucial strategy for the diversification of the Honduran aquaculture sector's markets.

The Secretariat of Economic Development (SDE) and the National Agri-Food Health and Safety Service (SENASA) of Honduras, in close collaboration with the Korean Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (NFQS), have successfully concluded bilateral negotiations and consultations. This comprehensive process included verification visits to Honduran processing plants, laboratories, and aquaculture farms, ensuring compliance with the strict sanitary and quality standards required by Seoul.

A key advance is the formalization of sanitary certificates and export conditions for frozen shrimp and live amphibians. These agreements will come into effect for shipments loaded from July 14, 2025, which will allow the first exports to take place in the coming weeks.

This success is a direct result of intense diplomatic efforts, including the official visit of Minister Fredis Cerrato to Korea in November 2024, which spurred the final approval process.

The opening of the South Korean market comes at a strategic moment for Honduras's aquaculture sector, especially for the shrimp industry, which has faced recent challenges such as the loss of the Taiwanese market after the breakdown of diplomatic relations. With this new trade destination, Honduras seeks to reactivate its export capacity, generate greater income, and strengthen the production chain that supports hundreds of producers and workers.

This achievement reaffirms the Government of the Republic of Honduras's commitment to opening new international markets, promoting the competitiveness and quality of national products in compliance with global sanitary standards.

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