By Zoila Palma: Belize’s primary sector contracted by 6.1 percent during the second quarter of 2026, with declines recorded in several major agricultural industries, according to the latest Gross Domestic Product estimates from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).
Production in the sector was valued at an estimated $116.7 million, down $7.6 million from the same period in 2025.
Banana production declined by 15.3 percent, falling from 28.5 thousand metric tons in the second quarter of 2025 to 24.2 thousand metric tons this year.
Citrus production experienced an even sharper decline, dropping by almost two-thirds from 10.4 thousand metric tons to 3.8 thousand metric tons. Livestock production also decreased by 14.1 percent, reflecting lower output of cattle, pigs and poultry.
Petroleum extraction also fell by 3.6 percent, from 33.4 thousand barrels to 32.2 thousand barrels.
However, the declines were partially offset by stronger performances in sugarcane and fishing. Sugarcane deliveries increased by 4.4 percent, reaching 920.6 thousand metric tons, which the SIB attributed to improved management of the Fusarium fungus that had affected production in 2025.
Marine exports recorded a 33.6 percent increase during the quarter, driven mainly by higher exports of shrimp, lobster meat and whole fish.
The post Banana, citrus and livestock production decline in second quarter appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
By Zoila Palma: Belize’s primary sector contracted by 6.1 percent during the second quarter of 2026, with declines recorded in several major agricultural industries, according to the latest Gross Domestic Product estimates from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). Production in the sector was valued at an estimated $116.7 million, down $7.6 million from the
The post Banana, citrus and livestock production decline in second quarter appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
