Posted: Thursday, October 23, 2025. 10:57 am CST.
By Zoila Palma: Data from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) shows that over the last 4 years, trade relationship with China has deepened significantly, reflecting an increasing dependence on Chinese-made goods across diverse sectors of the economy.
Import statistics show that imports from China have risen sharply between 2020 and 2024.
This shows our heavy reliance on low-cost manufactured products and consumer goods from Asia’s largest exporter.
Between 2020 and 2024, Belize’s total imports from China grew by more than 118%, from BZ$226.4 million in 2020 to BZ$494.8 million in 2024. The year-by-year breakdown illustrates the rapid pace of growth:
While trade slowed slightly in 2023, imports rebounded in 2024, reaching their highest level on record.
This consistent rise highlights China’s growing footprint in Belize’s consumer and industrial markets.
Main Imports from China (2020–2024)
The data revealed that Belize imports a wide range of products from China, spanning everyday consumer goods to industrial materials.
The top imported items by total value over the five-year period include:
These statistics from SIB show Belize’s dependence on consumer goods, apparel, footwear, and vehicles—sectors dominated by Chinese manufacturing. Even agricultural and industrial inputs such as herbicides and rubber tyres are heavily sourced from China.
But, this brings opportunities and risks since businesses are sourcing affordable Chinese goods particularly in retail and agriculture.
However, this dependence also exposes Belize to external shocks — including supply chain disruptions, shipping delays, or shifts in Chinese export policy.
Moreover, the dominance of low-cost imports may also constrain local manufacturing growth, as domestic producers struggle to compete with the scale and price advantages of Chinese goods.
Between the years 2020 and 2024, almost half a billion dollars in annual imports was recorded showing that China now plays a central role in shaping Belize’s retail markets and industrial supply chains.
Following the data, policymakers could analyze and consider strategies to balance trade, diversify suppliers, and strengthen local industries — ensuring economic resilience for Belize.
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The post Belize’s growing Economic dependence on Chinese Imports (2020–2024) appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Thursday, October 23, 2025. 10:57 am CST. By Zoila Palma: Data from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) shows that over the last 4 years,
The post Belize’s growing Economic dependence on Chinese Imports (2020–2024) appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
