Belikin or GOB’s Approved 10K Cases of Corona?

10,000 cases of Corona Beer are set to make their way to Belize. It has prompted a wave of debate over the local brewing industry. The government-approved import comes as an effort to address ongoing shortages in the tourism sector, where Belikin has reportedly struggled to keep up with demand. 

However, the decision raises questions about the ‘protection’ of local businesses in the face of competition from a global giant.

The Ministry of Agricultural and Food Security has stipulated that the bottles must be labelled ‘Belize Market’ and that the import must occur in stages, with the company required to pay high import duties due to the lack of reduced tariffs for Mexican beer.

The conditional approval has reportedly caused unrest within government circles, as local brewing companies such as Bowen & Bowen have voiced their concerns.