Honduras secures US tariff exemption amid new trade restrictions
2 Min Read
Honduras has secured an exemption from new US tariffs after high-level talks in Washington, signaling strengthened bilateral ties and ongoing trade cooperation.
-
Honduran Foreign Minister Javier Bu Soto, undated. (Social Media)
Honduran Foreign Minister Javier Bu Soto announced that the United States has excluded Honduras from the list of countries affected by new 10% tariffs. The decision was shared during an official visit to Washington, where US Undersecretary of Commerce William Kimmitt confirmed the exemption in a high-level meeting.
"During our formal visit to Washington, we were satisfied to hear the US government's statement that 10% tariffs will be abolished for Honduras," Bu Soto said on X. The talks focused on tariff policy, bilateral trade, and regional infrastructure cooperation.
🇭🇳🤝🇺🇸 Honduras queda fuera de nuevas tarifas sobre el 10% anunciadas por EE.UU.
— Javier Bu Soto (@JavierEBS) August 1, 2025
En el marco de nuestra gira oficial por Washington D.C., recibimos con satisfacción el anuncio del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos de excluir a Honduras de las nuevas tarifas sobre el 10% adicional… pic.twitter.com/qRrcA5NNB2
The exemption comes amid a broader wave of new trade restrictions introduced by the US administration. On Thursday, President Donald Trump signed a decree imposing tariffs ranging from 15% to 41% on goods imported from over 60 countries, set to take effect on August 7.
Earlier, on April 2, Trump signed an executive order enacting 10% "reciprocal" tariffs on imports, with elevated rates for 57 countries starting April 9.
Following requests from more than 75 countries for negotiations, the US extended a temporary suspension of higher tariffs until August 1, after which several countries were notified that increased rates would apply.
Bilateral cooperation highlighted
Bu Soto described the exemption as a result of sustained diplomatic engagement and a sign of the strong bilateral relationship between Honduras and the United States. He added that Honduras would continue to promote trade liberalization and work to reduce tariffs in key economic sectors.
He also emphasized Honduras' commitment to building trust with the US on issues including security, defense, migration, and economic development.
Among the topics discussed during the Washington meetings was the Interoceanic Railway project, a strategic infrastructure initiative aimed at enhancing regional trade connectivity. The project’s inclusion in the talks reflects Honduras’ broader economic development agenda and its growing partnership with the United States.
