Honduras is Central America’s largest producer and exporter of washed Arabica coffee, but recently the chairman of the Honduran National Coffee Board stated that the country’s coffee industry is currently facing difficulties, primarily in terms of coffee production and exports.

Due to low coffee export volumes, foreign exchange earnings decreased by nearly $100 million in the first four months of this year. If this trend continues, it is projected that foreign exchange earnings could decline by approximately $300 million for the entire year. According to statistics, coffee cultivation revenue in the 2022/23 season was $1.45 billion, but for the 2023/24 season, it is estimated to be around $1.05 billion to $1.1 billion, marking a decrease of 27% compared to the previous year.

In terms of weather, earlier in the year, Honduras experienced record-high temperatures due to the influence of El Niño, marking the hottest and driest year since 1992, with maximum temperatures reaching 38–40°C. By June, Honduras entered the rainy season, but was hit by devastating heavy rains and floods.

Moreover, earlier reports indicated that a coffee leaf rust incidence rate of 5–20% signifies a moderate level of infection, while the average incidence rate in several coffee-growing regions of Honduras stands at 5.8%. However, coffee rust spores can spread via rain and wind, which may further increase the incidence rate and ultimately continue to affect yields in the new season.

To this end, the president of the Honduran National Coffee Council warned that it is necessary to review the variables affecting producers' income. Without urgent measures to increase coffee production, yields will continue to decline, impacting both producers and the country as a whole. He also called on the government, coffee institutions, and producers to each fulfill their roles and work together to address the crisis.