Belize Imports Rise 21 Percent as Exports Dip in April 2026

Belize recorded a sharp increase in imports during April 2026, while domestic exports declined slightly, according to the latest External Trade report released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).

The report shows that total merchandise imports for April stood at $268 million, an increase of $46.4 million or 21 percent compared to the $221.5 million recorded in April 2025.

The biggest increases were seen in the categories of mineral fuels and lubricants, machinery and transport equipment, and other manufactured goods.

Imports of mineral fuels and lubricants climbed by $15.9 million to $50.2 million, largely due to higher global fuel prices. Meanwhile, machinery and transport equipment increased by $9.9 million to $62.6 million, driven by higher imports of heavy-duty trucks, aircraft equipment, and air conditioners.

Food and live animal imports rose by $6.6 million to $29.6 million, reflecting increased imports of food products such as corn seeds and processed cheese.

For the first four months of 2026, Belize’s total imports reached $1.1 billion, up 17.6 percent from the same period last year.

While imports increased, domestic exports declined during April. Total domestic exports for the month were valued at $42.8 million, down by $1.9 million or 4.1 percent compared to April 2025.

The largest decline came from molasses exports, which dropped from $2.3 million last year to virtually no shipments in April 2026. Banana exports also fell by $2 million, while red kidney bean exports declined by $1.3 million due to lower export volumes.

Exports of formal cattle and crude soybean oil also recorded decreases during the month.

Sugar exports rose by $2.5 million to $21.5 million due to stronger export volumes. Marine product exports also increased by $1.9 million, boosted by higher sales of lobster meat and conch.

The United States became Belize’s strongest export market for the month, with export earnings rising by $14.6 million to $19.5 million, mainly due to improved sugar sales.

However, exports to the United Kingdom dropped sharply by $17 million, following lower sugar and banana exports to that market.