Imports Drop 10.9%, Exports Up 2.1% in January

In January 2025, total imports dropped by 10.9%, down to $242.6 million from $272.2 million in January 2024, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). The decrease was driven largely by a sharp decline of $28.5 million in “Machinery and Transport Equipment”—a category that had spiked in 2024.

SIB reported that other categories, including ‘Mineral Fuels and Lubricants’ and ‘Chemical Products,’ also saw reductions, primarily due to lower world fuel prices and decreased fertiliser imports.

There was growth in certain sectors. Imports of ‘Food and Live Animals’ increased by $3.8 million, driven by higher demand for orange concentrate and groceries. The ‘Commercial Free Zones’ also saw a slight rise in imports, mainly for cigarettes and handbags.

On the export front, SIB reported that Belize’s domestic exports in January 2025 totalled $17.1 million, a modest 2.1% increase compared to the previous year. Marine exports, especially lobster products, surged by $2.1 million. Citrus exports also surged, with more than doubling from $0.4 million to $1.1 million, due to favourable prices for orange concentrate.

Despite this, certain export categories, like ‘Other’ exports, faced setbacks, with a $1.8 million drop, mainly due to the absence of cattle and alcoholic beverages. Additionally, banana and sugar exports saw slight declines.