Belize’s Imports Rise 12.3% in July While Exports Dip 3.4%

Belize imported significantly more goods in July 2025 compared to the same month last year, even as export earnings fell slightly, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).

The country’s total imports reached $266.3 million, up by $29.1 million or 12.3 percent from July 2024. At the same time, domestic exports totaled $61.2 million, a decline of 3.4 percent or $2.1 million year-on-year.

Much of the rise in imports was fueled by strong growth in goods destined for the Commercial Free Zone, which jumped by $14.2 million to reach $40 million. This increase was driven by higher purchases of cigarettes, tennis shoes, and jerseys.

Imports of food and live animals were also higher, up by $8 million to $36.2 million, with wheat, coffee, and poultry feed contributing most to the rise. Similarly, machinery and transport equipment climbed by $5.6 million to $59.8 million, as Belize brought in more mini-buses and powered industrial trucks.

Other notable increases included manufactured goods (up $4.2 million), chemical products (up $2.2 million), and beverages and tobacco (up $2.2 million).

On the other hand, imports of mineral fuels and lubricants dropped sharply by $11.2 million, down to $33.5 million, reflecting reduced purchases of diesel and regular fuels. Imports into Designated Processing Areas also contracted, falling by $2 million to $1.8 million.

While July exports were the strongest so far this year, they still fell below last year’s figures. Earnings from citrus products dropped steeply by $3.8 million, with orange concentrate exports cut nearly in half. Molasses exports were also weaker, down $3.5 million, while revenues from bananas slipped by $0.9 million and animal feed fell by more than half.

These declines were partly offset by higher sales of other products. Sugar exports rose by $3.7 million to $35.8 million, while marine products such as lobster tails added $1.6 million to reach $6.5 million. Red kidney bean exports also grew from $0.2 million to $0.7 million.

Export earnings from the United States tumbled by $14.4 million, mainly due to lower sugar and molasses sales. Revenues from CARICOM countries also declined by $4.1 million, while exports to Central America slipped by $0.5 million.

In contrast, earnings from the United Kingdom soared, jumping by $16.8 million to $23.1 million, reflecting the strong sugar sales to that market.