Sorghum market in Honduras

Earlier Report Observations

Sorghum production in Honduras reached 25 000 t in 2018, supported by the growing role of the private sector, where seven companies began dominating the improved seed market. However, adverse climatic factors and pests started to constrain output, and by 2019, persistent weather challenges combined with limited support for farmers contributed to a decline. The trend continued in 2020 as the absence of price controls on key agricultural inputs like fertilizers and pesticides raised production costs, further pressuring the sector.

A sharper contraction occurred in 2021, with production falling to 15 000 t. This was driven by labor shortages, continued unfavorable weather, and the implementation of agricultural diversification programs that indirectly affected basic grains. The expansion of the Productive Technological Bonus, providing seeds and inputs to half a million producers, offered some counterweight. In 2022, reactivation efforts led by the Secretariat of Agriculture and Livestock, coupled with rising internal prices for white sorghum, helped stabilize production at 15 000 t. The following year, the negative impact of the El Niño phenomenon on agricultural activity was a key factor, reducing the overall market volume to 13 850 t in 2023, despite government plans for agro-industrial modernization.

Production sorghum in Honduras

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sorghum, 2017-2020

World map of production of sorghum, 2017-2020

Sorghum production in Honduras has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 20,000 tons of sorghum, which represents a 4.8% decrease from 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production fell by 4.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 25,000 tons. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 16.0%, while the largest increase was seen in 2018, rising by 19.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Honduras in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports sorghum from Honduras

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2017, representing an 8.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Honduras exported 6 tons of sorghum, marking a sharp 50.0% reduction compared to 2019. The most substantial decline was recorded in 2018 at 84.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 50.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Honduras in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Nicaragua and the United States were the primary markets for Honduras' sorghum exports, together accounting for 100.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Honduras in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market exhibited volatility throughout the observed period. Export values reached their peak in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, showing a 14.7-fold amplitude. In 2020, Honduras exported $11.4 thousand worth of sorghum, which is 52.5% lower than in 2019. The most significant decline was recorded in 2018 at 90.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 54.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Honduras in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the United States and Nicaragua dominated the geographical pattern of sorghum exports in value terms, together representing 100.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Honduras in value, 2017-2020

Imports sorghum to Honduras

Imports in kind, t

The market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. Import volumes dropped to their minimum in 2018 and climbed to their maximum in 2019, representing a 7.3-fold shift. In 2020, Honduras imported 299 tons of sorghum, which is 71.1% lower than in 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 141 tons, while the maximum was in 2019 at 1,035 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 72.0%, and the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 633.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Honduras in kind, 2017-2020, t

During 2017–2020, El Salvador and Nicaragua played the leading roles in Honduras' sorghum imports, together accounting for 89.4% of total import flows, with the remainder distributed among other destinations.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Honduras in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Sorghum imports to Honduras have declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to $176.5 thousand, showing a dramatic decrease of 40.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 65.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 30.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Honduras in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Nicaragua were the core markets for Honduras' sorghum imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 81.8% of total import flows, while other destinations had comparatively modest shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Honduras in value, 2017-2020