Posted: Friday, January 31, 2025. 3:18 pm CST.
By Zoila Palma: Domestic exports for December 2024 saw a dramatic rise, totaling $74.1 million, more than three times the $24.3 million recorded in December 2023, according to the latest data from the Statistical Institute of Belize.
This surge marks the highest merchandise exports for the year, driven by significant increases in several key categories.
The most notable contributor to the export boom was sugar, which saw a substantial spike due to a bulk shipment sent out during the month.
Earnings from sugar soared by $47.9 million, jumping from $4.5 million in December 2023 to $52.4 million in December 2024.
Citrus products also experienced a remarkable increase, with revenues rising more than five-fold—from $0.6 million in December 2023 to $3.2 million in December 2024—thanks to higher exports of orange concentrate at more favorable market prices.
Additionally, animal feed exports grew from $1.6 million to $2.2 million, while alcoholic beverages saw a rise of $1.2 million, moving from $0.2 million to $1.4 million.
However, not all export categories performed as well. Banana exports dropped by 14.3%, falling from $7.5 million in December 2023 to $6.4 million in December 2024.
The marine products sector also saw a decline, with revenues from lobster meat and conch falling by $0.5 million, down from $4.1 million to $3.6 million.
Similarly, earnings from pepper sauces dropped by $0.5 million, from $1 million to $0.5 million.
Cattle exports also decreased by $0.5 million, from $1.6 million to $1.2 million, while earnings from crude soybean oil were down by $0.3 million.
Overall, December 2024 marked a strong month for Belize’s export sector, driven primarily by sugar and citrus, though other categories faced challenges.
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The post Sugar and citrus boom as exports surge by 204% appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Friday, January 31, 2025. 3:18 pm CST. By Zoila Palma: Domestic exports for December 2024 saw a dramatic rise, totaling $74.1 million, more than three
The post Sugar and citrus boom as exports surge by 204% appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.