标签： Jamaica

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has released its latest trade analysis, revealing a significant upswing in export performance across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). According to the 2025 edition of the ‘Trade Trends Estimates for Latin America and the Caribbean’ report, the value of goods exported from the region grew by an estimated 6.4%, marking a notable improvement from the 4.7% increase recorded in 2024.

This expansion was primarily fueled by a substantial rise in export volumes, with commodity prices playing only a marginal role. The report identifies a robust performance in the metals sector—particularly gold, copper, and silver—as a key driver. Concurrently, the agro-industrial sector demonstrated solid gains, with exports of coffee, cocoa, fruit, and meat posting significant increases. Several manufacturing segments also contributed to the growth, including data-processing machinery, medical supplies, vehicles, and plastics.

Paolo Giordano, the IDB’s Principal Economist for the Productivity, Trade and Innovation Sector and the report’s coordinator, noted, ‘Despite the challenging global environment, Latin America and the Caribbean’s recent export performance has shown remarkable resilience.’ The analysis suggests the region may be entering a phase of sustained trade growth, albeit within a context of persistent global uncertainty and a risk balance that remains moderately tilted to the downside.

Regional performance was uneven. South America and Mesoamerica saw an acceleration in export expansion, while Central America experienced strong growth that lost momentum in the latter half of the year. The Caribbean’s aggregate results, showing a moderation from 2024’s 41.2% surge to a 14.6% rise in 2025, masked pronounced volatility and significant disparities among individual nations. For instance:
– Guyana’s growth slowed dramatically to 18.3% from 137.6%.
– Suriname rebounded impressively to 70.4% from -40.2%.
– Trinidad and Tobago saw growth increase to 5.6% from 3.5%.
– Several nations, including Barbados, Belize, and Jamaica, remained in negative territory.

Complementing the export surge, the region’s total imports also gained momentum, increasing by 6.1% in 2025, up from 3.2% in 2024, aligned with a rebound in domestic demand.

The report highlighted volatile price movements for key export commodities. While coffee prices soared by 49.9% and gold by 42.2%, other critical commodities like oil and iron ore experienced significant declines of 14.3% and 7.8%, respectively.

The IDB concludes that for the region to solidify this growth trajectory, countries must prioritize reforms and investments aimed at boosting productivity and reducing trade costs. Ensuring international trade remains a primary engine for economic growth will require sustained policy support for exports and investments.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Grace Foods has launched a strategic humanitarian initiative in collaboration with the BREDS Treasure Beach Foundation to support Jamaican farmers devastated by Hurricane Melissa in October 2025. The company integrated donation mechanisms into its airport pop-up experiences at Donald Sangster International Airport (January 3) and Norman Manley International Airport (January 9), allowing travelers to contribute directly to agricultural recovery programs while experiencing authentic Jamaican flavors.

The activation formed part of Grace Foods’ ‘Bring Jamaica Home’ campaign, designed to connect travelers with Jamaican culture through culinary experiences. Led by Grace chefs, the pop-ups featured dishes prepared with Grace Jamaican Honey Jerk Seasoning and other products, creating both a cultural immersion and fundraising opportunity.

Sabrina Watson, Global Category Manager of Seasonings, Sauces and Spices at Grace Foods, emphasized the initiative’s dual purpose: ‘Hurricane Melissa left parts of our island devastated, and months later, many farming communities are still rebuilding. Through Grace Jamaican Jerk, we wanted to celebrate Jamaican flavor while giving travelers a tangible way to support the farmers who make those flavors possible.’

The generated funds will specifically target agricultural recovery in St Elizabeth and surrounding communities, providing critical resources including seeds, irrigation support, and other essential inputs for replanting and livelihood restoration. This focus acknowledges that authentic Jamaican jerk cuisine depends on locally sourced ingredients and the farmers who produce them.

Watson noted the natural alignment with BREDS Foundation, citing their deep community embeddedness and effective ground operations. The partnership extends Grace Foods’ existing relationships with St Elizabeth farming communities near its Hounslow processing facility, where key jerk ingredients like peppers, thyme, escallion, and onions are sourced.

Traveler response demonstrated appreciation for the initiative’s tangible impact. Richard Ho-sing, a Jamaican traveler who participated, commented: ‘Grace is a brand we grew up with. Seeing them partner with a local foundation like BREDS to give back to farmers is a good look, not just for Grace, but for Jamaica. Farmers are the backbone of the food we love.’

The initiative represents part of Grace Foods’ broader ‘We Care’ ethos, emphasizing community development, resilience building, and sustained support for local producers beyond crisis response.

Jamaica’s micro and small enterprises are poised to gain unprecedented access to equity financing through a groundbreaking micro market initiative within the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE), with Finance Minister Fayval Williams confirming a targeted launch for the second quarter of 2026.

During her keynote address at the Jamaica Stock Exchange’s Regional Investments and Capital Markets Conference in Kingston, Minister Williams revealed that preparatory work has reached an advanced stage, marking a significant milestone in the country’s financial infrastructure development.

The innovative micro market will function as a specialized second tier within the existing Junior Market framework, specifically designed to accommodate earlier-stage businesses. Unlike traditional lending systems that often exclude micro enterprises due to stringent collateral requirements, this new platform will enable qualified small businesses to raise capital through equity financing while benefiting from the JSE’s established infrastructure, governance standards, and regulatory oversight.

Minister Williams emphasized that the initiative represents a strategic extension of Jamaica’s capital markets rather than a dilution of listing requirements. “The success of the Junior Market provides strong empirical justification for extending this model downward,” she stated, referencing the proven track record of the existing framework that has served growing companies across multiple sectors for over 16 years.

The development addresses a critical gap in Jamaica’s financial ecosystem, where micro and small enterprises constitute the majority of businesses and significant employment contributors yet face persistent challenges in accessing affordable capital. Traditional bank lending remains largely inaccessible due to collateral constraints, while informal financing options often impose growth limitations and cash flow pressures.

A multi-stakeholder steering committee, established in June 2025 and led by the Jamaica Stock Exchange, has been coordinating technical, regulatory, and policy preparations across public and private sectors. The committee has already identified over 200 prospective micro and small businesses as potential candidates, with projections suggesting 25 companies could list within the first two years of operation.

Capacity-building initiatives will form a central component of the rollout strategy, focusing on preparing investment-ready businesses rather than rushing unprepared companies to market. The approach aligns with the government’s broader strategy to mobilize domestic savings—particularly from pension and insurance funds managing approximately $1.2 trillion in assets—into productive, growth-enhancing investments while maintaining fiscal discipline and market integrity.

Jamaican investment firm Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited has achieved a significant milestone with its premier residential project, The Chalet, located in Bengal Beach, Discovery Bay, St. Ann. The development has received comprehensive regulatory authorization from all necessary bodies, including the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the St. Ann Municipal Corporation, clearing the path for construction commencement.

Originally permitted in 2022 for an eight-unit complex, the project scope has been substantially expanded to 26 luxury residences following successful capital raising efforts. The newly approved design comprises 16 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units, strategically positioned to leverage the site’s natural coastal advantages. The development promises exclusive beach access, sweeping ocean vistas, and premium amenities including a swimming pool, fitness center, and dedicated co-working spaces tailored for remote professionals.

With complete infrastructure already in place, the project advances to its foundational phase. Kintyre estimates total development costs at approximately J$900 million (US$5.8 million). The company is currently evaluating two strategic options: an outright sale of the fully-approved project package including all documentation and permits, or forming a partnership to secure construction financing and oversee project delivery.

Leadership changes accompany this development phase, with Tyrone Wilson assuming additional executive roles as Chairman and CEO of both Kintyre Holdings and Parallel Real Estate Ventures Limited, while also serving as chief investment officer to optimize capital allocation across the portfolio. Wilson emphasized real estate’s role as a foundational element for creating durable value and supporting Jamaica’s economic growth through world-class assets that meet both local and international standards.

The company acknowledged contributions from architectural firm StudiOH Core, project manager Randy Mattis, and other key partners in achieving this regulatory milestone.