Generalizes on the best strategy to enter the market, e.g., visiting the country; importance of relationships to finding a good partner; use of agents.
Last Published: 8/13/2019

Two Regions

For marketing purposes, Honduras can be divided into two regions: the Northern Coast, including the country’s commercial and industrial center, San Pedro Sula; and the Central region, where the political capital and largest city, Tegucigalpa, is located. Both are major distribution centers for imported goods. A single distributor or representative is usually sufficient to cover all of Honduras.
 

Starting a Business

According to the 2018 World Bank Doing Business Index, the time required for establishing an enterprise in Honduras averages 13 days, significantly less than the average of 30 days in Latin America and the Caribbean. Having a local presence by appointing a local agent, representative, or legal advisor is strongly recommended to help with import procedures, sales promotion, after-sales service, and becoming more identified with the Honduran market in general. Independent intermediaries are especially important for smaller companies, as their knowledge of the market and of the relevant business customs and practices adds strong value for the U.S. manufacturer/exporter. U.S. companies are advised to evaluate local prospects in terms of the services and benefits provided, considering factors such as location, financial strength, quality of the sales force, warehousing facilities, reputation in the market, product compatibility and overall experience.


Price and Credit

Price is among the most important selling factors in Honduras. In many cases, Honduran business people buy directly from the source if they feel that the cost savings are sufficiently advantageous. The local banking system is traditionally conservative and generally extends only limited amounts of credit, though looser monetary policies and increased competition from regional and international banks have led to overall consumer credit expansion. U.S. exporters that properly use and offer attractive trade terms for Honduran importers have the best chance of gaining market share and enhancing buyer-seller relationships.


Testing the Market

When entering the Honduran market, U.S. firms should always seek legal advisers with specific expertise in local trade law and also take advantage of the help offered through different organizations supporting trade, such as chambers of commerce and industry associations. U.S. firms should also consider testing the market by participating in local events, trade missions, and other exploratory visits.


Due Diligence

Prior to engaging in a commercial relationship, U.S. companies should conduct corporate and regulatory due diligence, as well as visit potential partners or agents in Honduras to get a sense of the overall business environment.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.