Belize Still Buying More Than It Sells, Trade Deficit Rises

Belize’s trade numbers for the first ten months of 2025 show that the country is still buying much more from abroad than it is selling, causing the trade gap to grow.

According to the Statistical Institute of Belize, imports totaled just over $2.4 billion from January to October, which is $17.1 million less than last year. The main imports were machinery, mineral fuels, and manufactured goods.

Meanwhile, exports totaled just over $340 million, down $24 million compared to 2024. Sugar remained the top export earner despite declining, with bananas close behind. Marine products and cattle also made notable contributions.

CARICOM continued to be Belize’s biggest export market, followed by the United States and the European Union.

Overall, the trade deficit grew by $58 million compared to last year. This reflects Belize’s heavy reliance on imported fuel, machinery, and consumer goods compared to the smaller scale of its export base.