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The twenty imports Honduras is best placed to replace.

Honduras imported USD 14bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 6.7bn. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 1.2bnthe twenty, imported in 2024
60products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
465products Honduras already exports well
256product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Honduras already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Honduras would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Honduras does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Beer: made from maltHS 220300

    Comes fromUnited States 60%, 28 source countries
    Nearest export strengthNon-alcoholic beverages: other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in... (exports USD 18m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 179k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 107m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 20 per cent (2); United States supplies 60 per cent (2).

    USD 107mdown 7% on 2022
  2. 2

    Clothing: worn, and other worn articlesHS 630900

    Comes fromUnited States 97%, 38 source countries
    Nearest export strengthRags: used or new, scrap twine, cordage, rope and cables and worn... (exports USD 17m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 93m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); United States supplies 97 per cent (2).

    USD 93mdown 5% on 2022
  3. 3

    Cotton: not carded or combedHS 520100

    Comes fromUnited States 98%, 9 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or... (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 8k
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 46m, top 20 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 15 per cent (2); United States supplies 98 per cent (2).

    USD 46mdown 25% on 2022
  4. 4

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, urea, whether or not in aqueous solutionHS 310210

    Comes fromRussia 90%, 10 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFertilizers, mineral or chemical: diammonium hydrogenorthophosphate... (exports USD 6m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 8m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 66m, top 11 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 29 per cent (1); Russia supplies 90 per cent (2).

    USD 66mup 160% on 2022
  5. 5

    Ice cream and other edible ice: whether or not containing cocoaHS 210500

    Comes fromGuatemala 90%, 4 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 (exports USD 57m)
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well37

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 43m, top 22 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 26 per cent (1); Guatemala supplies 90 per cent (2).

    USD 43mup 25% on 2022
  6. 6

    Aluminium: casks, drums, cans, boxes and the like for any material (not compressed or liquefied gas), 300l capacity or...HS 761290

    Comes fromGuatemala 81%, 20 source countries
    Nearest export strengthAluminium: waste and scrap (exports USD 35m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 14k
    Countries that export it well42

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 39m, top 24 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 38 per cent (1); Guatemala supplies 81 per cent (2).

    USD 39mup 8% on 2022
  7. 7

    Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses...HS 300490

    Comes fromGuatemala 21%, 67 source countries
    Nearest export strengthDairy produce: cheese (not grated, powdered or processed), n.e.c. in...
    Exports of this lineUSD 33m; 6 more lines in the heading, USD 133m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 406m, top 0 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1).

    USD 406mup 149% on 2022
  8. 8

    Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any materialHS 961900

    Comes fromMexico 42%, 23 source countries
    Nearest export strengthBrooms, brushes, mops, feather dusters, squeegees, hand operated... (exports USD 8m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 56k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 72m, top 11 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 28 per cent (1); Mexico supplies 42 per cent (1).

    USD 72mup 4% on 2022
  9. 9

    Washing and cleaning preparations: surface-active, whether or not containing soap (excluding those of heading no....HS 340290

    Comes fromGuatemala 58%, 37 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSoap and organic surface-active products: in the form of bars... (exports USD 89m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 17m
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 48m, top 19 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1); Guatemala supplies 58 per cent (1).

    USD 48mup 8% on 2022
  10. 10

    Sugar confectionery: (excluding chewing gum, including white chocolate), not containing cocoaHS 170490

    Comes fromEl Salvador 24%, 37 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, as specified in Subheading... (exports USD 67m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 7m
    Countries that export it well37

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 44m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 23 per cent (2).

    USD 44mup 49% on 2022
  11. 11

    Ceramic tiles: flags and paving, hearth or wall tiles other than those of subheadings 6907.30 and 6907.40, of a water...HS 690722

    Comes fromGuatemala 53%, 15 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this linenone recorded; 1 more line in the heading, USD 25m
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 28m, top 36 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 19 per cent (2); Guatemala supplies 53 per cent (1).

    USD 28mdown 24% on 2022
  12. 12

    Footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6402, (other than just covering the ankle), with outer soles and uppers of rubber or...HS 640299

    Comes fromChina 74%, 35 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFootwear: waterproof, covering the ankle (but not the knee), rubber... (exports USD 5m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 777k
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 28m, top 36 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 28 per cent (1); China supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 28mup 60% on 2022
  13. 13

    Food preparations: pasta, uncooked (excluding that containing eggs), not stuffed or otherwise preparedHS 190219

    Comes fromGuatemala 74%, 22 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether... (exports USD 103m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 179k
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 15m, top 70 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 11 per cent (2); Guatemala supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 15mup 16% on 2022
  14. 14

    Iron or non-alloy steel (excluding cast iron): tubes and pipes (not seamless), welded, of circular cross-section...HS 730630

    Comes fromGuatemala 62%, 21 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow... (exports USD 50m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 260k
    Countries that export it well31

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 14m, top 75 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 24 per cent (2); Guatemala supplies 62 per cent (2).

    USD 14mdown 23% on 2022
  15. 15

    Insecticides: other than containing goods specified in Subheading Notes 1 & 2 to this Chapter: put up in forms or...HS 380891

    Comes fromChina 27%, 38 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFinishing agents and dye carriers: to accelerate dyeing or fixing of... (exports USD 27m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 67m
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 52m, top 16 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1).

    USD 52mup 89% on 2022
  16. 16

    Perfumery, cosmetic or toilet preparations: personal deodorants and antiperspirantsHS 330720

    Comes fromMexico 47%, 30 source countries
    Nearest export strengthOdoriferous substances and mixtures: of a kind used in the food or... (exports USD 54m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 28m, top 37 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 29 per cent (1); Mexico supplies 47 per cent (1).

    USD 28mup 61% on 2022
  17. 17

    Paints and varnishes: based on acrylic or vinyl polymers, dispersed or dissolved in an aqueous mediumHS 320910

    Comes fromCosta Rica 46%, 20 source countries
    Nearest export strengthDyes: reactive dyes and preparations based thereon (exports USD 12m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 471k
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 25m, top 43 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1); Costa Rica supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 25mup 33% on 2022
  18. 18

    Hair preparations: shampoosHS 330510

    Comes fromMexico 52%, 36 source countries
    Nearest export strengthOdoriferous substances and mixtures: of a kind used in the food or... (exports USD 54m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 193k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 24m
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 44 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 33 per cent (1); Mexico supplies 52 per cent (1).

    USD 24mup 44% on 2022
  19. 19

    Plastics: of polymers of propylene, plates, sheets, film, foil and strip (not self-adhesive), non-cellular and not...HS 392020

    Comes fromGuatemala 25%, 28 source countries
    Nearest export strengthEthylene polymers: sacks and bags (including cones), for the... (exports USD 55m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 3m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 33m
    Countries that export it well36

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 24m, top 45 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2).

    USD 24mdown 12% on 2022
  20. 20

    Glass: carboys, bottles, flasks, jars, pots, phials and other containers of glass, (not ampoules), used for the...HS 701090

    Comes fromCosta Rica 47%, 30 source countries
    Nearest export strengthGlass: cullet and other waste and scrap of glass, excluding glass... (exports USD 880k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 107k
    Countries that export it well38

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 23m, top 50 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Honduras's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); Costa Rica supplies 47 per cent (1).

    USD 23mup 1% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Honduras already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by... imports USD 392m, exports USD 12m, top source United States 82%
  • Yarn: (not sewing thread), of polyester staple fibres, mixed mainly or solely... imports USD 283m, exports USD 9m, top source United States 93%
  • Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 imports USD 287m, exports USD 57m, top source Costa Rica 45%
  • Iron or non-alloy steel: flat-rolled, width 600mm or more, plated or coated... imports USD 135m, exports USD 14m, top source China 91%
  • Cotton yarn: (not sewing thread), single, of uncombed fibres, 85% or more by... imports USD 98m, exports USD 13m, top source United States 73%
  • Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasonings imports USD 84m, exports USD 14m, top source Guatemala 51%
  • Paper articles: toilet paper imports USD 65m, exports USD 2m, top source El Salvador 55%
  • Cement: portland, other than white, whether or not artificially coloured imports USD 68m, exports USD 13m, top source Vietnam 62%
  • Non-alcoholic beverages: other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no.... imports USD 72m, exports USD 18m, top source Guatemala 36%
  • Plastics: carboys, bottles, flasks and similar articles, for the conveyance or... imports USD 75m, exports USD 24m, top source El Salvador 74%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 256 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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