UK Keeps Belize’s Sugar Exports Duty-Free

Belize’s sugar industry has received a major boost after the UK confirmed that it will maintain its current sugar import policies. This includes keeping the Autonomous Tariff Quota (ATQ) for raw cane sugar at 260,000 tonnes for 2025, which allows Belize to continue exporting sugar to the UK at a 0% tariff rate. The announcement was presented in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade on Tuesday.

Minister of State for Foreign Trade, Dr. Osmond Martinez, stated, “The UK’s commitment to preserving this vital access reaffirms the importance of Belize’s cane farmers, whose contributions support not only the economy but the livelihoods of thousands of Belizean families.” The sugar industry is one of Belize’s major sources of income, directly employing around 12,000 people and indirectly supporting 50,000 more in the northern districts.

This decision follows consultations between Belize and the UK government. Belize’s sugar exports will continue to enjoy duty-free, quota-free access under the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).

The UK has also pledged to continue discussions with Caribbean nations about future sugar policies, with the possibility of reviewing changes for 2026 and beyond.