Belize Sees Sharp Drop in Imports and Exports

Belize’s trade activity took a hit in April 2025, with both imports and exports seeing a year-on-year decline, according to the latest data from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).

Imports fell by 16%, down from $263.8 million in April 2024 to $221.5 million in April 2025. This drop was mainly due to reduced spending across several major categories. Imports into the Commercial Free Zone saw the largest fall, plummeting by $17.6 million to $25.8 million. Other notable decreases were recorded in ‘Other Manufactures’, ‘Food and Live Animals’, and ‘Machinery and Transport Equipment’.

Domestic exports also suffered a 21.9% drop, sliding from $56.9 million in April 2024 to $44.5 million this year. Although a large shipment of sugar was exported in April, sugar earnings still plunged by over 30% to $19 million, according to SIB. Revenues from molasses, bananas, and citrus products also declined.

Meanwhile, exports of red kidney beans more than tripled, and marine products rose by $0.7 million due to strong lobster and conch sales.

Over the first four months of 2025, imports fell 7.1% to $914.3 million, while exports declined 6.9% to $115.9 million, with sugar and molasses driving most of the downturn.