ECNETNews, April 4, 2025: In response to escalating tariffs on imports from various countries, including several Caribbean nations, the trade relationship between the Caribbean and the United States is under renewed scrutiny. As concerns rise, many are questioning: what goods does the Caribbean send to the U.S.?
Here’s an overview of exports from key Caribbean nations to the United States.
Guyana
Guyana faces a significant challenge with a 38% tariff—the highest in the Caribbean—impacting exports that reached an impressive $3.51 billion in 2023, a leap from just $255 million in 2018. The Government of Guyana is actively pursuing solutions through diplomatic efforts.
Key exports include:
- Crude Petroleum – $3.1 billion
- Gold
- Rice
- Fish
- Timber
- Sugar, molasses, and rum
- Aluminum ore and ships
Barbados
Barbados recorded exports worth $102.46 million to the U.S. in 2024, including:
- Beverages, spirits, and vinegar – $22.5 million
- Mineral fuels and oils – $18.6 million
- Precious stones and metals – $12.4 million
Haiti
Haiti sends over 80% of its exports to the U.S., with top exports related to apparel:
- Knit T-shirts – $419 million
- Knit sweaters – $152 million
- Men’s suits and shirts – over $100 million combined
- Total exports to the U.S. – $844 million
The Bahamas
The Bahamas exported $3.01 billion worth of goods in 2023, led by:
- Refined petroleum – $1.35 billion
- Passenger and cargo ships – $512 million
- Raw aluminum and crustaceans
Jamaica
In January 2025, U.S. imports from Jamaica included:
- Aluminum ore – $5.54 million
- Cassava, sauces, baked goods, and seasonings
Sint Maarten
Exports to the U.S. were valued at $2.74 million in 2023 and included:
- Scrap iron
- Recreational boats
- Jewelry
- Hard liquor and flavored water
Turks and Caicos Islands
In 2023, U.S. imports amounted to $5.51 million, including:
- Molluscs – $1.66 million
- Crustaceans – $1.47 million
- Semiconductor devices
Antigua & Barbuda
Exports totaled $17.2 million in 2023, highlighted by:
- Paintings – $4.84 million
- Electrical transformers – $2.64 million
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia exported $7.53 million in 2023, with top items including:
- Processed fruits and nuts – $1.42 million
- Scrap copper and hard liquor
However, exports have declined from $47.1 million in 2018.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
With $16.4 million in U.S. exports in 2023, main products included:
- Measuring instruments – $4.51 million
- Electrical control boards and transformers
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
U.S. imports reached $8.4 million in 2024, with exports such as:
- Bananas, arrowroot, and coconuts
- Fish, seafood, textiles, and rum
Bermuda
Bermuda exported $5.9 million to the U.S. in 2023, down from $13.8 million in 2018. Key exports include:
- Hard liquor – $2.02 million
- Scrap iron and paintings
Cayman Islands
Exports totaled $13.3 million in 2023, consisting of:
- Broadcasting equipment – $5.24 million
- Scrap iron and measuring instruments
Suriname
In 2023, the U.S. imported $87.8 million, led by:
- Fish fillets – $24.8 million
- Fresh and frozen non-fillet fish
Guadeloupe & Martinique
These French territories primarily export bananas, rum, and sugar, with Martinique also sending sailboats to the U.S.
Trinidad and Tobago
Exports to the U.S. reached $3.26 billion in 2023, with top products including:
- Crude petroleum – $1.15 billion
- Iron reductions – $593 million
- Petroleum gas – $539 million
Belize
Belize exported $86.2 million to the U.S. in 2023, featuring:
- Refined petroleum – $20.4 million
- Molasses – $18.6 million
- Raw sugar – $11.1 million
These statistics emphasize the crucial economic ties between the U.S. and the Caribbean. As concerns over higher tariffs continue to grow, regional leaders and businesses are keenly monitoring developments, preparing for the possible economic ramifications of current trade policies.
