Honduras; Honduras Nears Record Coffee Exports; Social Conflicts Rise Over Water and Land; Panama and Honduras Strengthen Regional Integration.

Friday, July 10, 2026. Honduras Weekly Overview Honduras continues to occupy a strategically important position in Central America, with this week’s developments reflecting the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, promote economic growth, and address long-standing security challenges. Under the administration of President Nasry Asfura, the country remains focused on improving economic conditions, attracting foreign investment, enhancing public security, and reinforcing institutional stability. As one of the region’s key transit and commercial hubs, Honduras remains heavily influenced by issues involving organized crime, migration, foreign investment, and regional diplomacy. Decisions made by the Honduran government frequently have implications beyond its borders, particularly for neighboring countries, international businesses, and organizations operating throughout Latin America. During the past week, attention has focused on a range of developments spanning public security, government policy, economic initiatives, judicial affairs, and international relations. President Asfura’s administration continues to pursue measures aimed at combating criminal organizations while balancing the need to encourage investment, strengthen public institutions, and maintain political stability. At the same time, Honduras remains actively engaged with regional and international partners on matters involving migration, infrastructure development, trade, and security cooperation. For the investigative, legal, and corporate risk communities, Honduras presents an environment where political decisions, regulatory changes, and security conditions can directly influence business operations and risk exposure. Understanding these evolving developments is essential for organizations with personnel, assets, or commercial interests in the country. This week’s summary highlights the most significant events and emerging trends that may impact the operating environment, providing readers with a concise overview of the issues shaping Honduras today. Brett Mikkelson Founder, B.M. Investigations, Inc. – Private Investigations in Panama TOP NEWS and TIDBITS: Private Construction in Honduras Declined 10.9% in the First Quarter Private construction in Honduras began 2026 with a weak performance. During the first quarter of the year, total built area reached 448,600 square meters, representing a 10.9% year-over-year decline, or 54,600 fewer square meters compared with the same period in 2025, according to the Covered Private Construction Survey (ECOPT) published by the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH). The primary driver of the contraction was a decline in residential construction, the segment that traditionally accounts for the largest share of the sector’s activity. According to the report, residential projects totaled 289,700 square meters, marking a 21.1% decrease compared with the first quarter of the previous year. The BCH attributed the decline mainly to lower levels of housing and apartment construction following the completion of several major residential developments in 2025. Given its significant share of overall construction activity, the residential segment had the greatest impact on the sector’s negative performance during the quarter. Commercial construction also declined. A total of 98,800 square meters was built during the quarter, representing a 7.9% year-over-year decrease. However, construction of retail premises increased 14.5%, helping offset declines in other types of commercial developments. Despite the overall downturn, several economic segments posted positive results. Buildings dedicated to services reached 25,100 square meters, driven primarily by the construction of primary and specialized healthcare facilities, including a project exceeding 2,000 square meters in San Pedro Sula, along with other complementary developments. This segment expanded 11.6% compared with the same quarter of 2025. Industrial construction also exceeded 35,000 square meters, supported by the development of industrial facilities in San Pedro Sula, Villanueva, and Choloma, while the “Other” category recorded a 54.7% increase. In terms of project volume, 2,255 new covered private construction projects were registered during the first quarter. Of these, 90.1% were residential developments, concentrated mainly in the Central District, Juticalpa, San Pedro Sula, and Santa Rosa de Copán. The remainder consisted of commercial, service, and industrial projects. Construction activity remained concentrated in Honduras’ largest urban centers. San Pedro Sula and the Central District accounted for 53% of the total built area, while cities such as Choluteca, Santa Rosa de Copán, Siguatepeque, and La Ceiba recorded notable residential, commercial, and industrial developments, reflecting that despite the sector’s slowdown, investment opportunities continue to emerge across different regions of the country. READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE HERE Who Will Buy the Presidential Aircraft? Bids to Be Opened This Friday, July 10 The sale of the presidential Embraer Legacy 600 will enter a key stage this Friday, July 10, with the opening of bids to determine the aircraft’s buyer, according to Finance Minister Emilio Hércules. The minister said the process will be conducted publicly and transparently, with the coordinated participation of the Ministry of National Defense, the General Directorate of State Assets, and the Ministry of Finance, the agencies responsible for carrying out the sale authorized by the National Congress. “From 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., bids will be received to identify the proposal that is most beneficial for our country,” Hércules said. He explained that the sale fulfills a commitment made by President Nasry Asfura when he signed the law authorizing the disposal of the aircraft and is intended to reduce the costs associated with maintaining the presidential jet. “We expect that tomorrow, through an open, public, and transparent process, the bidder who will acquire this presidential aircraft will be selected,” he added. Hércules stated that, so far, more than seven domestic and international bidders have expressed interest in purchasing the aircraft, although he said he did not know the identities of the participants. He explained that bids will be submitted in sealed documents to ensure confidentiality during the initial stage, after which they will be opened publicly. Addressing questions about the aircraft’s technical condition, the finance minister said the government does not have specific concerns and confirmed that an assessment was conducted jointly with the Honduran Air Force before the aircraft was put up for sale. “We are not going to sell something that has defects,” Hércules said in response to reports suggesting possible mechanical issues with the aircraft. He added that, because the sale is being conducted through a public auction, the final price will depend on the highest and most advantageous bid for the State. “This is a public auction, so the final price will