By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Belize’s trade picture continues to show a familiar pattern, with imports climbing while exports fall. In May 2026, imports were up by 22.8 percent, while exports dropped by 29.5 percent.
The figures were shared at a press conference held by the Statistical Institute of Belize, with Statistician Ronald Orellana providing the details. According to Orellana, imports in 2026 reached a record high for this period, extending a steady upward trend that has been evident since imports declined back in 2020.
Looking at the bigger picture, Orellana said total merchandise imports for the first five months of the year amounted to $1.375 billion. That represents an increase of 18.7 percent, or 216.4 million dollars, when compared to imports for the first five months of 2025.
On the other side of the ledger, the country’s export earnings continued to slide. Total domestic exports for the first five months of 2026 came in at $140.6 million, a decrease of 13.5 percent, or 21.9 million dollars, compared to the same period in 2025.
The numbers point to a widening gap between what Belize brings in and what it sends out, a trend that has long been a feature of the country’s trade balance. With imports continuing to grow and exports heading in the opposite direction, the figures underline the ongoing challenge of strengthening local production and reducing the country’s reliance on imported goods.
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By Breaking Belize News Staff (HP): Belize’s trade picture continues to show a familiar pattern, with imports climbing while exports fall. In May 2026, imports were up by 22.8 percent, while exports dropped by 29.5 percent. The figures were shared at a press conference held by the Statistical Institute of Belize, with Statistician Ronald Orellana
The post Belize imports surge while exports slide appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
