Imports and Exports Both Fell in February, SIB Reports

Belize’s trade numbers weakened in February, with both imports and domestic exports declining compared to a year ago, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).

Total merchandise imports for February 2026 stood at $214.6 million, down 1.7 percent, or $3.8 million, from February 2025. The overall dip was mainly driven by a sharp reduction in the “Food and Live Animals” category, which fell by $11.4 million due to lower purchases of orange concentrate and other food items. Imports into the Commercial Free Zone also dropped by $5.1 million, largely because of reduced cigarette shipments, while crude materials and chemical products recorded smaller declines.

These decreases were partially offset by higher spending in other areas. Imports of manufactured goods rose by $5.3 million, supported by increased purchases of steel rods, roofing materials, and cement. Machinery and transport equipment also climbed by $5.3 million, mainly due to higher imports of electrical transformers, while mineral fuels and lubricants increased by $4.2 million as the country brought in more diesel, kerosene, bunker fuel, and premium fuel.

Domestic exports showed a steeper fall. Earnings for February 2026 totaled $20.5 million, down 12.9 percent, or $3.0 million, from the $23.5 million recorded in February 2025. Sugar exports dropped by more than half, falling from $4.4 million to $2.1 million because of lower volumes and weaker prices. Citrus products, molasses, bananas, crude soybean oil, and pineapple concentrate also recorded declines.

There were some bright spots. Marine products posted a strong increase, rising from $2.7 million to $4.4 million, boosted by higher exports of lobster and shrimp. Red kidney beans and animal feed also recorded notable gains during the month.

For the first two months of the year, January to February 2026, total imports rose 5.3 percent to $485.7 million, driven largely by machinery, fuel, and beverage imports. Meanwhile, domestic exports for the same period edged down 2 percent to $40.0 million, as declines in sugar and citrus offset gains in marine products and bananas.