Exports fall nearly 30% in May as Sugar, citrus earnings decline

By Zoila Palma:  Belize’s domestic exports fell sharply in May 2026, declining by 29.5 percent compared to the same month last year, according to the latest External Trade Bulletin from the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB).

Total domestic exports for the month were valued at $32.4 million, down $13.5 million from the $46.0 million recorded in May 2025.

The SIB reported that sugar exports recorded the largest decline, falling by $6.2 million from $19.3 million to $13.1 million due to lower quantities being sold.

Citrus earnings also dropped significantly, decreasing by $4.4 million from $5.2 million to just $0.8 million as exports of orange concentrate, grapefruit concentrate, and orange oil declined.

Banana exports were down by $1.7 million, from $9.6 million to $7.9 million, while red kidney bean exports fell from $1.1 million to $0.6 million. Earnings from pepper sauce also declined by $0.4 million, falling from $0.8 million to $0.4 million.

Molasses was the only major export commodity to post a gain during the month.

Export earnings from molasses increased by $0.4 million, rising from $3.0 million in May 2025 to $3.4 million in May 2026.

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