Belize experienced a notable shift in its trade dynamics during November 2025, with sugar exports driving a significant improvement in the nation’s export performance while import expenditures contracted substantially. According to data released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB), the country’s export revenues climbed to $24.8 million, marking a robust 10.5 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The export surge was predominantly fueled by sugar, which more than doubled its previous performance, alongside strengthened shipments of bananas and cattle. This growth partially offset declines observed in molasses, marine products, and citrus exports, particularly grapefruit concentrate.
Conversely, Belize’s import expenditures demonstrated a contrasting trend, dropping nearly 10 percent to $208.4 million. This reduction was primarily attributed to diminished purchases of machinery and transport equipment, including fewer acquisitions of aircraft and industrial machinery.
Regional trade patterns revealed divergent outcomes. Exports to the European Union expanded to $4 million, supported by enhanced sugar and banana sales, while shipments to Mexico increased due to heightened cattle exports. CARICOM trade also strengthened, reaching $7.8 million with support from sugar and pineapple concentrate. However, exports to the United States declined, primarily due to reduced conch exports and the absence of molasses and alcoholic beverage shipments.
Cumulative data for the first eleven months of 2025 indicates Belize spent approximately $2.64 billion on imports while generating $365.5 million from exports, both figures representing a decrease from 2024 levels. Despite November’s encouraging export performance, the nation’s overall trade balance for the year remains below previous year’s benchmarks.