TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwanese business representatives have expressed eagerness to resume importing Honduran shrimp.

This would boost Honduras’ aquaculture industry, CentroAmerica360 reported. After establishing ties with Beijing in 2023, Honduras lost many preferential trade arrangements with Taiwan, including ones on shrimp exports. The termination of the free trade agreement with Taiwan led to the imposition of a 20% tariff on Honduran shrimp exports.

Taiwanese importers said Honduran President Nasry Asfura, elected last month, has raised confidence about resuming business with Honduras, according to CentroAmerica360. Importers said they are ready to restart shrimp shipments as soon as possible, aiming to restore the supply chain to pre-2023 levels.

Honduran shrimp maintained high demand in Taipei, per CentroAmerica360. The product was valued for its quality, size, and consistency in the Asian market.

Taiwanese business leaders said they hoped the possible establishment of a Taiwanese embassy in Honduras would strengthen trade, generate employment, and consolidate the aquaculture sector.

Asfura said on Saturday that he is reassessing Honduras’ foreign policy and considering switching diplomatic recognition from Beijing back to Taipei.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said in an interview last month that Taiwan has been promoting its Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project among neighboring diplomatic allies, including Belize and Guatemala, and that Honduras has taken note of those efforts.

Taiwan will be an indispensable part of Honduras’ overall foreign policy, Lin said.