Imports Surge Past Quarter‑Billion Dollars

Belize kicked off the new year with a lively trade performance. Imports reached $271 million, while exports climbed to $19.5 million, both higher than the same month last year, signalling a busy start for businesses and farmers across the country.

The Statistical Institute of Belize reported imports growing by 11.7%, an increase of about $28.5 million compared to January 2025. Machinery was the biggest driver, jumping from $61.6 million to $76.1 million as new production equipment arrived. Everyday items also added to the rise, including jerseys, tennis shoes, fertilisers, cigarettes, and even pasture grass seeds.

While most categories grew, construction materials like steel products dipped slightly, showing a slowdown in that sector.

On the export side, Belizean bananas stole the show, climbing from $6.1 million to $7.8 million. Farmers shipped more fruit abroad, earning higher revenues and giving the industry a strong start to 2026. Pepper sauces also made waves, more than doubling their sales compared to last year.

Marine products, especially lobster, slipped a little. Sugar exports also fell, showing how global demand can shift from month to month.

Europe was a major buyer, with earnings from that region more than doubling from $2.1 million to $4.9 million. The United States also increased purchases, rising from $3.5 million to $4.4 million, thanks to conch and pepper sauces. Sales to CARICOM countries fell from $4.3 million to $3.8 million, while the United Kingdom dropped from $4 million to $3.6 million due to fewer banana exports.