Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormMilled
Industry PositionProcessed Agricultural Commodity
Raw Material
Market
Milled rice is a staple in Honduras’ basic food basket, but domestic production has not met demand, making the market import-dependent. UN Comtrade/WITS data indicate Honduras imported about USD 114.4 million of rice (HS 1006) in 2024, while rough rice (HS 100610) imports were about USD 109.1 million—implying significant domestic milling of imported paddy to supply the milled-rice market. Imports are highly concentrated, with the United States supplying the vast majority of Honduras’ HS 1006 rice import value in 2024. Domestic rice cultivation is reported across multiple departments (notably Comayagua, Yoro and Cortés), and the SAG has publicized programs to reactivate rice production and strengthen agroindustrial linkages.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with domestic milling (large imports of rough rice/paddy).
Domestic RoleStaple grain for household consumption and food security; supplied by a mix of domestic cultivation and domestically milled imported paddy.
Market GrowthGrowing (2020–2024 import-value trend (HS 1006))import value rising in the early 2020s
SeasonalityUSDA FAS Rice Explorer reports a primary rainy-season production window (Apr–Sep); irrigation enables production outside the core rainy window in some areas.
Specification
Physical Attributes- Free from abnormal odours/flavours and live insects/mites (Codex CXS 198-1995).
- Kernel integrity/broken percentage and visible foreign matter are common commercial acceptance attributes for milled rice.
Compositional Metrics- Moisture content benchmark: 15% m/m maximum in Codex CXS 198-1995 (buyers may require lower limits depending on climate/storage/transport).
Grades- Whole vs. broken kernel fractions (commercial grading commonly references broken percentage within a lot).
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Imported rough rice (paddy) and/or rice imports -> port customs clearance -> cleaning/drying -> milling -> packaging -> wholesale distribution -> retail
Temperature- Ambient transport and storage; moisture control is critical to prevent deterioration and pest pressure during storage and distribution.
Shelf Life- Shelf-life is generally long for milled rice when kept dry and protected from insects; quality deteriorates rapidly if moisture control fails.
Freight IntensityHigh
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighRice import flows into Honduras are politically sensitive and have a history of reported disputes over missing or improper import authorizations/licences; such issues can block or severely delay discharge and clearance (including at Puerto Cortés) and can trigger investigations or ad hoc administrative tightening.Obtain and verify all required import authorizations/licences and SENASA-related approvals before shipment; run a pre-arrival document reconciliation against the DUCA filing and importer checklist.
Logistics MediumWeather and operational conditions at Puerto Cortés have been cited by Honduras Customs as causing berthing/discharge and dispatch delays, which can disrupt bulk grain supply chains and increase demurrage/storage costs.Build schedule buffer and contingency storage; monitor official port/customs notices and coordinate discharge windows with the port operator and customs broker.
Market MediumHigh import dependence and supplier concentration for rice increase exposure to international price movements, freight volatility, and origin-side policy/supply shocks, with direct pass-through risk to domestic food prices.Diversify supply options where feasible (including form factor: rough vs milled), use forward contracts when possible, and maintain strategic inventory coverage.
Food Safety MediumBulk rice storage and transit create risk of insect infestation and quality deterioration if moisture and cleanliness specifications are not met; Codex CXS 198-1995 provides baseline quality parameters (including moisture limits) that are often used as reference points in trade.Implement pre-shipment quality testing (moisture/foreign matter), require appropriate cleaning and (where warranted) fumigation protocols, and maintain dry, pest-controlled storage through to retail.
Sustainability- Climate variability (rainfall patterns) and irrigation availability influence domestic rice output and can raise reliance on imports.
- Water stewardship and irrigation efficiency where rice is produced under irrigated systems.
Labor & Social- Smallholder livelihood sensitivity: rice is a basic-basket commodity, and domestic producer groups have publicly raised concerns about import competition and import administration.
- Trade governance controversy risk: historical disputes reported in media around allegedly irregular or unlicensed rice imports (often referred to locally as 'arrozazo' episodes).
FAQ
Does Honduras mainly import milled rice or rough rice for domestic milling?Trade data indicate Honduras imported about USD 114.4 million of rice (HS 1006) in 2024, and about USD 109.1 million of that was rough rice/paddy (HS 100610). This suggests Honduras relies heavily on importing rough rice for domestic milling to supply the milled-rice market.
Who is Honduras’ main external supplier for rice imports?In 2024, UN Comtrade/WITS partner data for HS 1006 show the United States supplied the vast majority of Honduras’ rice import value, indicating a highly concentrated supplier base.
Which domestic regions are associated with rice production in Honduras?USDA FAS Rice Explorer identifies production across multiple departments, with Comayagua, Yoro, and Cortés highlighted among the key subregions, and additional production indicated in Francisco Morazán, Olancho, and La Paz. Honduras’ agriculture ministry (SAG) has also emphasized focus areas such as Comayagua and the Valle de Otoro.
What customs declaration is used for importing goods into Honduras?Honduras Customs uses the DUCA (Declaración Única Centroamericana) as the unified merchandise declaration for foreign trade operations, submitted electronically under the regional framework.