CARICOM'S TRADE: A QUICK REFERENCE

CARICOM’S TRADE
A Quick Reference to Some Summary Data
1996 - 2001

North America

Australia Europe

Africa Asia

South America

CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) SECRETARIAT
GEORGETOWN GUYANA

CARICOM’S TRADE

A Quick Reference to Some Summary Data
1996 – 2001

Fourth Edition

Statistics Sub-Programme
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat

December 2005

Copyright © 2005, The CARICOM Secretariat

CARICOM’S TRADE: A Quick Reference to Some Summary: Data 1996 - 2001

Prepared and Compiled by
The Statistics Sub-Programme
Information and Communication Programme
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat
P.O. Box 10827
Georgetown
Guyana
Telephone: (592) 222-0001-75
Fax: (592) 222-0098
E-mail: stats1@caricom.org
Web site: www.caricom.org

ISBN-13 987-976-600-178-0 (pbk)
ISBN-10 976-600-178-2 (pbk)

ii

PREFACE

This is the fourth edition of CARICOM’s Trade: A Quick Reference to Some Summary Data which covers
data for the period 1996 to 2001. This publication presents some of the basic summary trade data to which
users frequently refer and focuses primarily on CARICOM’s trade with principal trading partners, as well as on
Intra-CARICOM trade. Further this report could be used as a valuable source of trade information for
manipulation and analysis.

The report is divided into two parts. PART I presents data on CARICOM’s Total Trade with all principal trading
partners and in this regard attempts to give a summarized picture of CARICOM’s overall merchandise trade.
PART II of the report, which comprises Sections 1-12, presents data on CARICOM’s Trade with principal
trading partners and Intra-CARICOM Trade, each section being devoted to trade with a particular trading
partner. CARICOM’s trade with individual countries – the United States, The United Kingdom, Canada,
Venezuela and Japan are also represented in this report.

The data presented in this report were extracted from those submitted to the CARICOM Secretariat by
Member States Statistics Department. It should be noted that data were not always available for all Member
States for specific years of the period 1996 to 2001. The incomplete nature of the data therefore poses
limitations to analysis and interpretation. Efforts are being made by the CARICOM Secretariat to build capacity
in those Member States experiencing difficulty with the timely compilation and dissemination of Trade data.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The CARICOM Secretariat takes this opportunity to express its sincere thanks to the National Statistical
Offices in Member States for supplying the Merchandise trade data used in the compilation of this report. We
also wish to recognize the contributions of the various Customs Departments at the regional level.

The Secretariat wishes to thank the staff of its Statistics Sub-Programme for their dedicated efforts in
compiling the data and in preparing and disseminating this report.

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EXPLANATORY NOTES

Description of Trading Areas
The following is a list showing the countries, which belong to the Trading Areas identified in this report. It
should be noted that in this report the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) excludes data for The Bahamas and
refers only to the Caribbean Common Market (now transformed to CARICOM Single Market and Economy –
CSME). The Bahamas is not part of the Caribbean Common Market.

Trading Areas and Abbreviated Forms Descriptions

CARIBBEAN COMMON MARKET Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica,
Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and
Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines,
Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago

OTHER CARIBBEAN Anguilla, Aruba, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands,
Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti,
French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Netherlands
Antilles, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, Turks and Caicos
Islands, United States Virgin Islands

NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE Canada, Mexico, United States of America.
AGREEMENT (NAFTA)

LATIN AMERICAN INTEGRATION Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador,
ASSOCIATION (LAIA) Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

THE ANDEAN COMMUNITY Bolivia, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela

MERCOSUR Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay

CENTRAL AMERICAN COMMON Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras,
MARKET (CACM) Nicaragua

EUROPEAN UNION (EU) Belgium-Luxembourg, Denmark, France, Germany,
Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain,
United Kingdom, Austria, Finland and Sweden

EUROPEAN FREE TRADE ASSOCIATION (EFTA) Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland

SELECTED ASIAN COUNTRIES China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South
Korea, Taiwan, Thailand.

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Explanation of Symbols and Abbreviations
… - Data not available
- - Value equals zero
0 - Magnitude more than zero but less than half of the unit employed
S.I.T.C. - Standard International Trade Classification
MDCs - More Developed Countries
LDCs - Less Developed Countries
OECS - Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States
n.e.s. - Not elsewhere specified (in the SITC)

Exchange Rates

In the report the currency used is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)

EC$2.70 = US$1.00
1 Billion = 1,000,000,000

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CONTENTS
Page No.

Preface .......................................................................................................................................................................iii
Acknowledgements ................................................................................................................................................... iv
Explanatory Notes ...................................................................................................................................................... v
List of Graphs ...........................................................................................................................................................xxi

PART I - CARICOM’S TOTAL TRADE WITH PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNERS
AND THE REST OF THE WORLD

Data Highlights .............................................................................................................................. 3
Table 1.1 (a) Balances of CARICOM’s Total Trade, Disaggregated by
CARICOM Member States: 1996-2001 ....................................................................................... 15
Table 1.1 (b) Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Trade, Disaggregated by
Table 1.2 Balances of CARICOM’s Intra-Regional Trade, Disaggregated by
Table 1.3 (a) Balances of CARICOM’s Extra-Regional Trade, Disaggregated by
Table 1.3 (b) Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Extra-Regional Trade, Disaggregated by
Table 1.4 Percentage Contribution of Intra and Extra-Regional Imports to
Total Imports: 1996-2001 ............................................................................................................ 22
Table 1.5 Percentage Contribution of Intra and Extra-Regional Domestic Exports to
Total Domestic Exports: 1996-2001 ............................................................................................23
Table 1.6 Percentage Contribution of Intra and Extra-Regional Exports to
Total Exports: 1996-2001 ............................................................................................................ 24
Table 1.7 Value and Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports by Principal Sources: 1996-2001 ...................... 26
Table 1.8 Value and Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports by Principal Destinations: 1996-2001 ............... 28
Table 1.9 CARICOM’s Trade Balances with Principal Extra-Regional Trading Partners: 1996-2001 ........ 30
Table 1.10.1 (a) Value of Respective CARICOM Member State’s Imports from Selected
Trading Areas: 1996 .................................................................................................................... 31
Table 1.10.1 (b) Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from Selected
Trading Partners, among Member States: 1996 ......................................................................... 32
Table 1.10.1 (c) Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports according to Selected Trading Areas: 1996 ....................... 33
Table 1.10.1 (d) CARICOM’s Total Imports Distributed by Trading Partners and Member States: 1996 ............. 34

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Table 1.10.1 (e) Value of Respective CARICOM Member State’s Total Exports to Selected
Trading Areas: 1996 .................................................................................................................... 35
Table 1.10.1 (f) Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports to Selected
Table 1.10.1 (g) Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports according to Selected Trading Areas: 1996 .............. 37
Table 1.10.1 (h) CARICOM’s Total Exports Distributed by Trading Partners and Member States: 1996 ............. 38
Trading Areas: 1997 .................................................................................................................... 39
Table 1.10.2 (c) Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Imports according to Selected Trading Areas: 1997 .............. 41
Trading Areas: 1997 .................................................................................................................... 43
Trading Areas: 1998 .................................................................................................................... 47
Trading Areas: 1998 .................................................................................................................... 51
Trading Areas: 1999 .................................................................................................................... 55

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Trading Areas: 1999 .................................................................................................................... 59
Trading Areas: 2000 .................................................................................................................... 63
Trading Areas: 2000 .................................................................................................................... 67
Trading Areas: 2001 .................................................................................................................... 71
Trading Areas: 2001 .................................................................................................................... 75
Table 1.11 Value of CARICOM’s Total Trade and Distribution, by Sections of the SITC: 1996-2001.......... 79
Table 1.12 Value of CARICOM’s Extra-Regional Trade and Distribution, by Sections of
the SITC: 1996-2001 ................................................................................................................... 80
Table 1.13.1 (a) Value of CARICOM’s Imports from Selected Trading Areas, by SITC Sections: 1996............... 81
Table 1.13.1 (b) Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from Selected Trading Areas,
by SITC Sections: 1996............................................................................................................... 82

ix

Table 1.13.1 (c) Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports by SITC Sections among Selected
Trading Areas: 1996 .................................................................................................................... 83
Table 1.13.1 (d) CARICOM’s Imports Distributed by Selected Trading Areas and SITC Sections: 1996............. 84
Table 1.13.1 (e) Value of CARICOM’s Total Exports to Selected Trading Areas, by SITC Sections: 1996.......... 85
Trading Areas, by SITC Sections: 1996 ...................................................................................... 86
Table 1.13.1 (g) Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports by SITC Sections among Selected
Trading Areas: 1996 .................................................................................................................... 87
Table 1.13.1 (h) CARICOM’s Total Exports Distributed by Selected Trading Areas and
SITC Sections: 1996.................................................................................................................... 88
by SITC Sections: 1997............................................................................................................... 90
Trading Areas: 1997 .................................................................................................................... 91
Table 1.13.2 (d) CARICOM’s Imports Distributed by Selected Trading Areas and SITC Sections: 1997............. 92
Table 1.13.2 (e) Value of CARICOM’s Total Exports to Selected Trading Areas, by SITC Sections: 1997.......... 93
Trading Areas, by SITC Sections: 1997 ...................................................................................... 94
Trading Areas: 1997 .................................................................................................................... 95
SITC Sections: 1997.................................................................................................................... 96
by SITC Sections: 1998............................................................................................................... 98
Trading Areas: 1998 .................................................................................................................... 99
Table 1.13.3 (d) CARICOM’s Imports Distributed by Selected Trading Areas and SITC Sections: 1998........... 100
Table 1.13.3 (e) Value of CARICOM’s Total Exports to Selected Trading Areas, by SITC Sections: 1998........ 101
Trading Areas, by SITC Sections: 1998 .................................................................................... 102
Trading Areas: 1998 .................................................................................................................. 103
SITC Sections: 1998.................................................................................................................. 104
Table 1.13.4 (a) Value of CARICOM’s Imports from Selected Trading Areas, by SITC Sections: 1999............. 105

x

by SITC Sections: 1999............................................................................................................. 106
Trading Areas: 1999 .................................................................................................................. 107
Trading Areas: 1999 .................................................................................................................. 111
SITC Sections: 1999.................................................................................................................. 112
by SITC Sections: 2000............................................................................................................. 114
Trading Areas: 2000 .................................................................................................................. 115
Trading Areas: 2000 .................................................................................................................. 119
SITC Sections: 2000.................................................................................................................. 120
by SITC Sections: 2001............................................................................................................. 122
Trading Areas: 2001 .................................................................................................................. 123
Trading Areas: 2001 .................................................................................................................. 127

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SITC Sections: 2001.................................................................................................................. 128
Table 1.14 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from all Sources, classified according to
SITC Groups: 1996-2001 .......................................................................................................... 129
Table 1.15 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to all Destinations: 1996-2001 ........................ 130

PART II - CARICOM’S TRADE WITH SELECTED TRADING
PARTNERS INCLUDING INTRA-CARICOM TRADE

Section 1 CARICOM’s TRADE WITH CANADA

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 135
Table 2.1.1 Values of CARICOM’s Imports, Exports, and Balance of Trade with Canada,
by Country: 1996-2001 ............................................................................................................. 141
Table 2.1.2 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with Canada: 1990-2001 ............................................................. 142
Table 2.1.3 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from Canada,
by Country: 1996-2001 ............................................................................................................. 143
Table 2.1.4 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Domestic Exports to Canada,
by Country: 1996-2001 ............................................................................................................. 144
Table 2.1.5 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports to Canada,
by Country: 1996-2001 ............................................................................................................. 145
Table 2.1.6 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from Canada,
by SITC Sections: 1996-2001................................................................................................... 147
Table 2.1.7 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Domestic Exports to Canada,
by SITC Sections: 1996-2001................................................................................................... 149
Table 2.1.8 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports to Canada,
by SITC Sections: 1996-2001................................................................................................... 150
Table 2.1.9 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from Canada, classified according to
SITC Groups: 1996-2001 ......................................................................................................... 152
Table 2.1.10 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to Canada: 1996-2001 ................................... 153

Section 2 CARICOM’s TRADE WITH THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 157
Table 2.2.1 Values of CARICOM’s Imports, Exports and Balance of Trade with the
United States of America, by Country: 1996-2001 ................................................................... 163

xii

Table 2.2.2 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with the United States of America: 1990-2001............................ 164
Table 2.2.3 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from the
Table 2.2.4 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Domestic Exports to the
Table 2.2.5 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports to the
United States of America, by SITC Sections: 1996-2001......................................................... 169
Table 2.2.9 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from the United States of America,
classified according to SITC Groups: 1996-2001..................................................................... 174
Table 2.2.10 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to the
United States of America: 1996-2001....................................................................................... 175

Section 3 CARICOM’s TRADE WITH THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 179
Table 2.3.1 Values of CARICOM’s Imports, Exports and Balance of Trade with the North American
Free Trade Agreement, by Country: 1996-2001 ...................................................................... 183
Table 2.3.2 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with the North American Free Trade Agreement: 1990-2001 ..... 184
Table 2.3.3 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from the North American
Table 2.3.4 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Domestic Exports to the North American
Table 2.3.5 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports to the North American
Table 2.3.6 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from the North American
Free Trade Agreement, by SITC Sections: 1996-2001 ............................................................ 189
Table 2.3.7 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Domestic Exports to the North American
Table 2.3.8 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports to the North American

xiii

Table 2.3.9 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from NAFTA, classified according to
SITC Groups: 1996-2001 ......................................................................................................... 194
Table 2.3.10 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to NAFTA: 1996-2001 .................................... 195

Section 4 CARICOM’s TRADE WITH THE LATIN AMERICAN INTEGRATION ASSOCIATION

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 199
Table 2.4.1 Values of CARICOM’s Imports, Exports and Balance of Trade with the Latin American
Integration Association, by Country: 1996-2001 ...................................................................... 205
Table 2.4.2 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with the Latin American Integration Association: 1990-2001 ...... 206
Table 2.4.3 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from the Latin American
Table 2.4.4 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Domestic Exports to the Latin American
Table 2.4.5 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports to the Latin American
Table 2.4.6 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from the Latin American
Integration Association, by SITC Sections: 1996-2001 ............................................................ 211
Table 2.4.7 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Domestic Exports to the Latin American
Table 2.4.8 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports to the Latin American
Table 2.4.9 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from the Latin American Integration Association,
Table 2.4.10 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to the Latin American
Integration Association: 1996-2001 .......................................................................................... 217

Section 5 CARICOM’s TRADE WITH THE ANDEAN COMMUNITY

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 221
Andean Community, by Country: 1996-2001 ........................................................................... 225
Table 2.5.2 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with the Andean Community: 1990-2001 .................................... 226

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Andean Community, by SITC Sections: 1996-2001................................................................. 231
Table 2.5.9 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from the Andean Community, classified according to
SITC Groups: 1996-2001 ......................................................................................................... 236
Table 2.5.10 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to the Andean Community: 1996-2001 .......... 237

Section 6 CARICOM’s TRADE WITH MERCOSUR

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 241
Table 2.6.1 Values of CARICOM’s Imports, Exports and Balance of Trade with
MERCOSUR, by Country: 1996-2001 ...................................................................................... 245
Table 2.6.2 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with MERCOSUR: 1990-2001..................................................... 246
Table 2.6.3 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from
Table 2.6.4 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Domestic Exports to
Table 2.6.5 Value and Percentage Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports to
MERCOSUR, by SITC Sections: 1996-2001 ........................................................................... 251
Table 2.6.9 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from MERCOSUR, classified according to
SITC Groups: 1996-2001 ......................................................................................................... 256
Table 2.6.10 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to MERCOSUR: 1996-2001 ........................... 257

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Section 7 CARICOM’s TRADE WITH VENEZUELA

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 261
Venezuela, by Country: 1996-2001 .......................................................................................... 265
Table 2.7.2 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with Venezuela: 1990-2001......................................................... 266
Venezuela, by SITC Sections: 1996-2001 ............................................................................... 271
Table 2.7.9 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from Venezuela, classified according to
SITC Groups: 1996-2001 ......................................................................................................... 276
Table 2.7.10 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to Venezuela: 1996-2001 ............................... 277

Section 8 CARICOM’s TRADE WITH THE CENTRAL AMERICAN COMMON MARKET

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 281
Central American Common Market, by Country: 1996-2001 ................................................... 285
Table 2.8.2 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with the Central American Common Market: 1990-2001 ............ 286
Central American Common Market, by SITC Sections: 1996-2001......................................... 291

xvi

Table 2.8.9 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from the Central American Common Market,
Table 2.8.10 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to the
Central American Common Market: 1996-2001....................................................................... 297

Section 9 CARICOM’s TRADE WITH THE EUROPEAN UNION

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 301
European Union, by Country: 1996-2001................................................................................. 305
Table 2.9.2 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with the European Union: 1990-2001.......................................... 306
European Union, by SITC Sections: 1996-2001 ...................................................................... 311
Table 2.9.9 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from the European Union, classified according to
SITC Groups: 1996-2001 ......................................................................................................... 316
Table 2.9.10 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to the European Union: 1996-2001................ 317

Section 10 CARICOM’s TRADE WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 321
United Kingdom, by Country: 1996-2001 ................................................................................. 327
Table 2.10.2 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with the United Kingdom: 1990-2001 .......................................... 328

xvii

United Kingdom, by SITC Sections: 1996-2001....................................................................... 333
Table 2.10.9 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from the United Kingdom, classified according to
SITC Groups: 1996-2001 ......................................................................................................... 338
Table 2.10.10 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to the United Kingdom: 1996-2001 ................ 339

Section 11 CARICOM’s TRADE WITH JAPAN

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 343
Japan, by Country: 1996-2001 ................................................................................................. 347
Table 2.11.2 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with Japan: 1990-2001 ................................................................ 348
Japan, by Country: 1996-2001 ................................................................................................. 349
Japan, by Country: 1996-2001 ................................................................................................. 350
Japan, by Country: 1996-2001 ................................................................................................. 351
Japan, by SITC Sections: 1996-2001....................................................................................... 353
Table 2.11.9 CARICOM’s Top 20 Imports from Japan, classified according to
SITC Groups: 1996-2001 ......................................................................................................... 358
Table 2.11.10 Value of CARICOM’s Major Domestic Exports to Japan: 1996-2001 ...................................... 359

xviii

Section 12 INTRA CARICOM TRADE

Data Highlights ......................................................................................................................... 363
Table 2.12.1 Intra-Regional Trade Balances of CARICOM Member States: 1996-2001.............................. 369
Table 2.12.2 Value and Percentage Distribution of Intra-Regional Imports, by
CARICOM Countries: 1996-2001 ............................................................................................. 370
Table 2.12.3 Value and Percentage Distribution of Intra-Regional Domestic Exports, by
Table 2.12.4 Value and Percentage Distribution of Intra-Regional Total Exports, by
Table 2.12.5.a (i) The Values of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports
classified by Sources: 1996...................................................................................................... 374
Table 2.12.5.a (ii) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports
Table 2.12.5.a (iii) The Values of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
classified by Destinations: 1996 ............................................................................................... 376
Table 2.12.5.a (iv) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
Table 2.12.5.b (i) The Values of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports
Table 2.12.5.b (ii) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports
Table 2.12.5.b (iii) The Values of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
Table 2.12.5.b (iv) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
Table 2.12.5.c (i) The Values of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports
Table 2.12.5.c (ii) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports
Table 2.12.5.c (iii) The Values of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
Table 2.12.5.c (iv) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
Table 2.12.5.d (i) The Values of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports

xix

Table 2.12.5.d (ii) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports
Table 2.12.5.d (iii) The Values of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
Table 2.12.5.d (iv) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
Table 2.12.5.e (i) The Values of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports
Table 2.12.5.e (ii) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports
Table 2.12.5.e (iii) The Values of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
Table 2.12.5.e (iv) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
Table 2.12.5.f (i) The Values of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports
Table 2.12.5.f (ii) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Intra-Regional Imports
Table 2.12.5.f (iii) The Values of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
Table 2.12.5.f (iv) The Relative Shares of Respective Member State’s Total Intra-Regional Exports
Table 2.12.6 Value and Percentage Distribution of Intra-Regional Imports,
by SITC Sections: 1996-2001................................................................................................... 398
Table 2.12.7 Value and Percentage Distribution of Intra-Regional Domestic Exports,
by SITC Sections: 1996-2001................................................................................................... 400
Table 2.12.8 Value and Percentage Distribution of Intra-Regional Total Exports,
by SITC Sections: 1996-2001................................................................................................... 401

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LIST OF GRAPHS

Figure 1.1 Balance of CARICOM’s Total Trade: 1996-2001........................................................................... 17
Figure 1.2 Movement in the Value of Intra-Regional Imports for CARICOM,
MDCs and LDCs: 1996-2001 ......................................................................................................... 19
Figure 1.3 Movement in the Value of Intra-Regional Exports for CARICOM,
MDCs and LDCs: 1996-2001 ......................................................................................................... 19
Figure 1.4 Contribution of Intra and Extra Regional Imports to Total Imports: 1996-2001 ............................. 25
Figure 1.5 Contribution of Intra and Extra Regional Exports to Total Exports: 1996-2001............................. 25
Figure 1.6 Major Sources of CARICOM’s Imports: 1996 ................................................................................ 27
Figure 1.7 Major Sources of CARICOM’s Imports: 2001 ................................................................................ 27
Figure 1.8 Major Destinations of CARICOM’s Exports: 1996 ......................................................................... 29
Figure 1.9 Major Destinations of CARICOM’s Exports: 2001 ......................................................................... 29

Figure 2.1.1 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with Canada: 1990-2001................................................................. 142
Figure 2.1.2 Relative Importance of Canada as a Supplier of CARICOM’s
Extra-Regional Imports: 1996-2001 .............................................................................................146
Figure 2.1.3 Relative Importance of Canada as a Market for CARICOM’s
Extra-Regional Exports: 1996-2001 .............................................................................................146
Figure 2.1.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from Canada, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996................. 148
Figure 2.1.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from Canada, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001................. 148
Figure 2.1.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports to Canada, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996............ 151
Figure 2.1.7 Distribution of CARICOM’s Total Exports to Canada, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001............ 151

Figure 2.2.1 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with The United States of America: 1996-2001 .............................. 164
Figure 2.2.2 Relative Importance of The United States as a Supplier of CARICOM’s Extra-Regional
Imports: 1996-2001 ...................................................................................................................... 168
Figure 2.2.3 Relative Importance of The United States as a Market for CARICOM’s Extra-Regional
Exports: 1996-2001 ...................................................................................................................... 168
Figure 2.2.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from The United States of America,
by Principal SITC Sections: 1996................................................................................................. 170
Figure 2.2.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from The United States of America,
Figure 2.2.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to The United States of America,
Figure 2.2.7 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to The United States of America,

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Figure 2.3.1 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with The North American Free Trade Agreement: 1990-2001 ....... 184
Figure 2.3.2 Relative Importance of The North American Free Trade Area as a
Supplier of CARICOM’s Extra-Regional Imports: 1996-2001 ...................................................... 188
Figure 2.3.3 Relative Importance of The North American Free Trade Area as a
Market for CARICOM’s Extra-Regional Exports: 1996-2001 ....................................................... 188
Figure 2.3.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from NAFTA, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ................. 190
Figure 2.3.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from NAFTA, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001 ................. 190
Figure 2.3.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to NAFTA, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ..................... 193
Figure 2.3.7 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to NAFTA, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001 ..................... 193

Figure 2.4.1 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with The Latin American Integration Association: 1990-2001 ........ 206
Figure 2.4.2 Relative Importance of The Latin American Integration Association as a
Supplier of CARICOM’s Extra-Regional Imports: 1996-2001 ...................................................... 210
Figure 2.4.3 Relative Importance of The Latin American Integration Association as a
Market for CARICOM’s Extra-Regional Exports: 1996-2001 ....................................................... 210
Figure 2.4.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from LAIA, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ..................... 212
Figure 2.4.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from LAIA, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001 ..................... 212
Figure 2.4.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to LAIA, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996.......................... 215
Figure 2.4.7 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to LAIA, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001.......................... 215

Figure 2.5.1 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with The Andean Community: 1990-2001 ...................................... 226
Figure 2.5.2 Relative Importance of The Andean Community as a Supplier of
CARICOM’s Extra-Regional Imports: 1996-2001 ........................................................................230
Figure 2.5.3 Relative Importance of The Andean Community as a Market for CARICOM’s
Figure 2.5.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from The Andean Community, by
Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ..................................................................................................... 232
Figure 2.5.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from The Andean Community, by
Figure 2.5.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to The Andean Community, by
Figure 2.5.7 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to The Andean Community, by

Figure 2.6.1 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with MERCOSUR: 1990-2001 ........................................................ 246
Figure 2.6.2 Relative Importance of MERCOSUR as a Supplier of
Figure 2.6.3 Relative Importance of MERCOSUR as a Market for CARICOM’s

xxii

Figure 2.6.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from MERCOSUR, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ........ 252
Figure 2.6.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from MERCOSUR, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001 ........ 252
Figure 2.6.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to MERCOSUR, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ............ 255
Figure 2.6.7 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to MERCOSUR, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001 ............ 255

Figure 2.7.1 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with Venezuela: 1990-2001 ............................................................ 266
Figure 2.7.2 Relative Importance of Venezuela as a Supplier of CARICOM’s
Figure 2.7.3 Relative Importance of Venezuela as a Market for CARICOM’s
Figure 2.7.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from Venezuela, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ............ 272
Figure 2.7.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from Venezuela, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001 ............ 272
Figure 2.7.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to Venezuela, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ................ 275
Figure 2.7.7 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to Venezuela, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001 ................ 275

Figure 2.8.1 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with The Central American Common Market: 1990-2001 .............. 286
Figure 2.8.2 Relative Importance of The Central American Common Market as a Supplier of
Figure 2.8.3 Relative Importance of The Central American Common Market as a Market for
CARICOM’s Extra-Regional Exports: 1996-2001 ........................................................................290
Figure 2.8.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from CACM, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996................... 292
Figure 2.8.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from CACM, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001................... 292
Figure 2.8.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to CACM, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996....................... 295
Figure 2.8.7 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to CACM, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001....................... 295

Figure 2.9.1 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with The European Union: 1990-2001 ............................................ 306
Figure 2.9.2 Relative Importance of The European Union as a Supplier of
Figure 2.9.3 Relative Importance of The European Union as a Market for CARICOM’s
Figure 2.9.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from The European Union, by
Figure 2.9.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from The European Union, by
Figure 2.9.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to The European Union, by
Figure 2.9.7 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to The European Union, by

xxiii

Figure 2.10.1 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with The United Kingdom: 1990-2001 ............................................ 328
Figure 2.10.2 Relative Importance of The United Kingdom as a Supplier of CARICOM’s
Figure 2.10.3 Relative Importance of The United Kingdom as a Market for CARICOM’s
Figure 2.10.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from The United Kingdom, by
Figure 2.10.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from The United Kingdom, by
Figure 2.10.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to The United Kingdom, by
Figure 2.10.7 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to The United Kingdom, by

Figure 2.11.1 CARICOM’s Trade Balance with Japan: 1990-2001.................................................................... 348
Figure 2.11.2 Relative Importance of Japan as a Supplier of CARICOM’s
Figure 2.11.3 Relative Importance of Japan as a Market for CARICOM’s
Figure 2.11.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from Japan, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ................... 354
Figure 2.11.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Imports from Japan, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001 ................... 354
Figure 2.11.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to Japan, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ....................... 357
Figure 2.11.7 Distribution of CARICOM’s Exports to Japan, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001 ....................... 357

Figure 2.12.1 Movements in the MDCs and LDCs contribution to Intra-Regional Imports: 1996-2001............. 373
Figure 2.12.2 Movements in the MDCs and LDCs contribution to Intra-Regional Exports: 1996-2001............. 373
Figure 2.12.3 Distribution of CARICOM’s Intra-regional Imports, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ................ 399
Figure 2.12.4 Distribution of CARICOM’s Intra-regional Imports, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001 ................ 399
Figure 2.12.5 Distribution of CARICOM’s Intra-regional Exports, by Principal SITC Sections: 1996 ................ 402
Figure 2.12.6 Distribution of CARICOM’s Intra-regional Exports, by Principal SITC Sections: 2001 ................ 402

xxiv

PART I
CARICOM’s Total Trade with Principal
Trading Partners and the Rest of the
World

CARICOM’s TOTAL TRADE WITH PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNERS AND THE REST
OF THE WORLD: 1996 -2001

CARICOM’s TOTAL TRADE

CARICOM’s total imports expanded from EC$22.9 billion in 1996 (twelve Member States reporting)
to EC$27.0 billion in 2001 (eleven Member States reporting) at an average annual growth rate of 3.4%
over the period. CARICOM’s earnings from total exports moved from EC$15.5 billion in 1996 (twelve
Member States reporting) to EC$17.9 billion in 2001 (eleven Member States reporting) at an average
annual growth rate of 2.9% over the period. Due to the different rates of growth of its imports and
exports, CARICOM recorded trade deficits throughout the period moving from EC$7.4 billion in 1996
to EC$9.1 billion in 2001 (Tables 1.1(a) & (b)).

Major Contributors

The MDCs dominated CARICOM’s total imports and accounted for an average percentage
contribution of 83.8% over the period. Imports of the MDCs increased from EC$19.0 billion in 1996
(all five Member States reporting) to EC$23.1 billion (four of five Member States reporting) which
accounted for 82.8% in 1996 and 85.3% in 2001 of CARICOM’s total imports. As a result the LDCs
contributed an average percentage contribution of 16.2% of CARICOM’s total imports over the period.

With regards to CARICOM’s exports, the MDCs dominated with an average percentage contribution
of 93.0% over the period. Exports of this group moved from EC$14.4 billion in 1996 (all five Member
States reporting) to EC$16.8 billion (four of five Member States reporting) which represented 92.7% in
1996 and 93.7% in 2001 of CARICOM’s total exports. The LDCs as such accounted for an average
percentage contribution of 7.0% of CARICOM’s total exports over the period (Tables 1.1(a) & (b)).

As it relates to the performance of individual Member States, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago were
CARICOM’s top importers over the period. Jamaica was the top importer for 1996, 1997 and 1999
and accounted for 34.4%, 31.4% and 30.6% respectively of CARICOM’s total imports. For 1998, 2000
and 2001, Trinidad and Tobago captured top spot with percentage contributions of 31.2%, 32.3% and
36.1% of CARICOM’s total imports. These two Member States together accounted for an average
percentage contribution of 62.9% of CARICOM’s total imports throughout the period.

3

For exports, Trinidad and Tobago was CARICOM’s leading exporter throughout the period, with
percentage contributions of 44.6% in 1996 and 65.4% in 2001. Jamaica was the next highest exporter
for the period, with recorded percentage contributions of 24.1% in 1996 and 18.4% in 2001.
Collectively these two Member States represented an average percentage contribution of 72.9% of
CARICOM’s total exports.

CARICOM’S TRADE BY PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNERS

Major Trading Partners

CARICOM’s trade by principal trading partners did not change significantly over this period. Its major
sources of imports were the United States of America (USA), Latin American Integration Association
(LAIA), the European Union (EU) and CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which
collectively accounted for an average percentage contribution of 79.7% of CARICOM’s total imports
over the period. For exports, the trading areas that dominated CARICOM’s exports were the United
States of America (USA), CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the European Union (EU)
and Other Caribbean Countries which collectively accounted for an average percentage contribution
of 82.1% of CARICOM’s total exports over the period (Tables 1.7 and 1.8).

Table 1.7 revealed that CARICOM’s top source for its imports was the USA which, on average
accounted for 43.6% of CARICOM’s total imports over the period. The EU was next major source of
the Region’s imports with an average percentage contribution of 13.1% followed by LAIA and CSME
with average percentage contributions of 12.4% and 10.6% of CARICOM’s total imports for the
period, 1996-2001. Canada, another source of CARICOM’s imports on average accounted for 3.3%
of CARICOM’s total imports over the period.

For CARICOM’s exports, the USA was the leading destination and on average accounted for 36.9% of
CARICOM’s exports over the period. CSME and EU were the next major destinations for
CARICOM’s exports with average percentage contributions of 19.6% and 17.3% respectively over the
period. Other Caribbean Countries and Canada were also important destinations and accounted for
average percentage contributions 8.4% and 5.4% of CARICOM’s exports (Table 1.8).

4

Table 1.9 revealed that CARICOM’s trade balance with its respective extra-regional trading partners
recorded deficits as well as surpluses over the period. The destinations with which the Region enjoyed
a positive trade balance throughout the period were Other Caribbean Countries, European Free Trade
Association and The Bahamas while it recorded deficits with other trading blocs.

Distribution of CARICOM’s Member States Trade with Major Trading Partners

The MDCs dominated CARICOM’s trade with its major trading partners throughout the period 1996 –
2001. For imports this group accounted for over 75% of CARICOM’s total imports with most of its
trading areas while for exports, the MDCs registered more than 90% of CARICOM’s exports with
most of its trading partners.

Imports for Selected Years

1996
Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago were CARICOM’s highest importers for 1996 and accounted for
41.0% and 31.0% respectively to CARICOM’s total imports (Tables 1.10.1 (a)-(c)). With regards to
CARICOM’s major sources of imports, Jamaica dominated CARICOM’s imports from the USA and
CSME with imports of EC$4.1 billion from the USA and EC$0.8 billion from CSME. These values
represented 48.3% and 40.4% of CARICOM’s imports from these respective trading partners. Trinidad
and Tobago was CARICOM’s top Member State to import from the EU and LAIA with imports of
EC$1.0 billion and EC$1.4 billion, which accounted for 37.6% and 62.7% of CARICOM’s imports
from these respective trading areas.

1998
In 1998, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago continued to be CARICOM’s major importers. Jamaica’s
percentage contribution to CARICOM’s total imports declined to 34.0% while Trinidad and Tobago’s
percentage contribution expanded to 34.5% (Tables 1.10.3 (a)-(c)). Jamaica continued to dominate
CARICOM’s imports from the USA and CSME with imports totaling EC$4.1 billion from the USA and
EC$0.8 billion from CSME. These values represented 38.0% of CARICOM’s total imports from the
USA and 34.6% of CARICOM’s imports from CSME. Trinidad and Tobago continued to be
CARICOM’s top importer from the EU and LAIA with imports from EU amounting to EC$1.3 billion

5

while its imports from the LAIA totaled EC$1.5 billion, which accounted for 40.4% and 62.0% of
CARICOM’s total imports from EU and LAIA respectively.

2000
In 2000, CARICOM’s leading importer was Trinidad and Tobago with percentage contribution of
34.0% followed by Jamaica with percentage contribution of 32.4% (Tables 1.10.5 (a)-(c)). Jamaica
continued to top CARICOM’s imports from the USA and CSME with imports totaling EC$3.9 billion
from the USA and EC$1.1 billion from CSME which represented 36.0% and 35.2% of CARICOM’s
imports from the USA and CSME respectively. Trinidad and Tobago continued to be the Region’s top
Member State to import from LAIA and EU markets. Its imports from LAIA amounted to EC$2.9
billion, which accounted for 64.0% of CARICOM’s total imports from LAIA while its imports from the
EU stood at EC$1.0 billion which represented 34.4% of CARICOM’s imports from the EU.

2001
In 2001, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica continued as CARICOM’s two top importers which
accounted for 37.8% and 35.6% respectively of CARICOM’s total imports (Tables 1.10.6 (a) – (c)).
Jamaica continued to dominate CARICOM’s imports from the USA and CSME. Jamaica’s imports
from USA amounted to EC$4.1 billion which represented 39.0% of the Region’s imports from this
trading partner. Its imports from CSME amounted to EC$1.2 billion which accounted for 42.1% of
CARICOM’s imports from CSME. Trinidad and Tobago continued to dominate CARICOM’s imports
from EU and LAIA with imports from EU totaling EC$1.8 billion or 49.9% of CARICOM’s imports
from the EU. Imports of Trinidad and Tobago from LAIA amounted to EC$2.3 billion, which
accounted for 64.4% of CARICOM’s total imports from LAIA.

Exports for Selected Years

1996
Analysis of Tables 1.10.1 (e) – (g) revealed that Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica were CARICOM’s
leading exporters for 1996 and accounted for 55.1% and 29.8% respectively of CARICOM’s total
exports. Of CARICOM’s major export destinations, Trinidad and Tobago was CARICOM’s top
exporter to the USA and CSME markets while Jamaica dominated the EU market. Exports of Trinidad
and Tobago to the USA and CSME totaled EC$3.0 billion and EC$1.7 billion, which represented

6

62.8% and 73.5% of CARICOM’s exports to USA and CSME respectively. Jamaica’s exports to the
EU totaled EC$1.2 billion, which accounted for 50.9% of CARICOM’s exports to this market.

1998
In 1998, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica continued to be CARICOM’s leading exporters and
accounted for 48.7% and 27.4% respectively of CARICOM’s total exports. Of the Region’s major
destinations, Trinidad and Tobago continued to dominate CARICOM’s exports to the USA and CSME
with exports totaling EC$2.3 billion and EC$2.0 billion which accounted for 50.4% and 71.4% of
CARICOM’s exports to the USA and CSME respectively. Jamaica continue to dominate CARICOM’s
exports to the EU with exports amounting to EC$1.0 billion which represented percentage contribution
of 41.1% of CARICOM’s exports to EU (Tables 1.10.3 (e) – (g)).

2000
In 2000, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica continued to dominate CARICOM’s exports with
percentage contributions of 63.0% and 19.1% respectively. Trinidad and Tobago remained
CARICOM’s top exporter to the USA and CSME markets with exports to these markets amounting to
EC$5.0 billion and EC$2.6 billion which represented 67.6% of CARICOM’s exports to the USA and
75.1% of CARICOM’s exports to the CSME. With respect to CARICOM’s exports to the EU market,
Jamaica continue to dominate with exports totaling EC$1.1 billion which accounted for 35.0% of
CARICOM’s exports to the EU (Tables 1.10.5 (e) – (g)).

2001
In 2001, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica maintained their positions as CARICOM’s leading
exporters with percentage contributions of 69.6% and 19.6% respectively. Trinidad and Tobago
continued to dominate CARICOM’s exports to the USA and the CSME with exports totaling EC$4.8
billion and EC$2.8 billion which represented 75.3% and 80.4% of CARICOM’s exports to the USA
and CSME respectively. Jamaica also maintained its position with its exports to EU amounting to
EC$1.0 billion which represented percentage contribution of 45.5% of CARICOM’s exports to EU
(Tables 1.10.6 (e) – (g)).

7

CARICOM’S TOTAL TRADE BY SECTIONS OF THE SITC

Machinery and Transport Equipment was CARICOM’s highest imported commodity with average
percentage contribution of 29.3% over the period. For CARICOM’s exports, Mineral fuels, Lubricants
and related Materials and Crude Materials, inedible, except Fuels dominated the period with average
percentage contributions of 29.7% and 18.5% respectively (Table 1.11).

Major SITC Sections

A closer analysis of Table 1.11 showed that for imports, Machinery and Transport Equipment
reflected a percentage contribution of 28.0% in 1996. In 1997 the percentage contribution of this
commodity strengthened to 34.1% but weakened thereafter to 31.6%, 28.9% and 27.6% in 1998, 1999
and 2000. For 2001, its percentage contribution advanced to 29.4%, which resulted in an overall
increase over the period. Manufactured Goods classified chiefly by materials was the second highest
imported commodity during the period 1996 – 1999 while Mineral fuels, Lubricants and related
Materials captured this position for the remainder of the period.

For exports, the percentage contribution of Mineral fuels, Lubricants and related Materials to
CARICOM’s total exports declined continuously from 26.3% in 1996 to 22.2% and 20.5% in 1997 and
1998 respectively. For 1999-2001 the percentage contribution of this commodity advanced steadily to
27.9%, 39.7% and 41.7% respectively. The second highest exported commodity throughout the period
was Crude materials, inedible, except fuels with increased percentage contribution from 19.7% in 1996
to 20.4% in 1997 and 20.7% in 1998. In 1999, its percentage contribution declined to 19.0% and
continued to decline with recorded percentage contributions of 16.0% and 15.1% in 2000 and 2001
respectively.

Distribution of CARICOM’s trade, by SITC Sections with Major Trading Partners

Imports for Selected Years
1996
Machinery and Transport Equipment and Manufactured Goods were CARICOM’s highest imported
commodities for 1996 and accounted for 27.3% and 16.0% respectively of CARICOM’s total imports.
Analysis of Machinery and Transport revealed that the USA was the main source with a percentage
8

contribution of 48.5%, the EU was next line with percentage contribution of 22.1% followed by
Selected Asian Countries with percentage contribution of 20.3%. These three trading areas together
represented 90.9% of CARICOM’s total imports of Machinery and Transport Equipment. With respect
to Manufactured Goods, CARICOM’s major sources were the USA, EU and CSME with respective
percentage contributions of 43.7%, 15.1% and 9.6% (Tables 1.13.1 (a) – (c)).

1998
In 1998, Machinery and Transport Equipment and Manufactured Goods continued to be CARICOM’s
top two commodities imported with percentage contributions of 31.8% and 16.6% respectively. For
CARICOM’s imports of Machinery and Transport Equipment, the USA continued to dominate with a
percentage contribution of 52.1%. EU followed next but with declined percentage contribution to
19.3% while Selected Asian Countries expanded their contribution marginally to 20.6%. Also in 1998,
CARICOM’s major sources of Manufactured Goods were the USA, EU, LAIA and CSME. These four
trading blocs collectively accounted for 79.5% of CARICOM’s imports of this commodity (Tables
1.13.3 (a) – (c)).

2000
For 2000, CARICOM’s highest imported commodities were Machinery and Transport Equipment and
Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials with percentage contribution to CARICOM’s total
imports of 27.1% and 21.4% respectively. The USA, Selected Asian Countries and the EU continued
as the major sources of CARICOM’s imports of Machinery and Transport Equipment in 2000. The
percentage contribution of the USA further expanded to 56.3%, while the percentage contribution of
Selected Asian Countries and EU declined to 19.5% and 15.3% respectively. For Mineral fuels,
lubricants and related materials, LAIA and Andean Community were the two major sources for this
commodity. These trading blocs accounted for 56.7% and 49.7% of CARICOM’s total imports of this
commodity (Tables 1.13.5 (a)-(c)).

2001
Tables 1.13.6 (a) – (c) revealed that Machinery and Transport Equipment and Mineral fuels,
lubricants and related materials continued to top CARICOM’s imports in 2001. The major sources of
Machinery and Transport Equipment continued to be the USA, EU and Selected Asian Countries.
However the percentage contribution of the USA declined to 53.6% while the EU expanded its
percentage contribution to 20.6% in this year. The percentage contribution of Selected Asian Countries
9

declined to 17.7% in 2001. LAIA and the Andean Community continued to be the major sources of
CARICOM’s imports of Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials with percentage contribution
of 47.3% and 34.4% respectively. The combined percentage contribution of these two trading areas
accounted for 81.7% of CARICOM’s imports of Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials.

Exports for Selected Years
1996
Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and related materials and Food which accounted for 28.7% and 17.0% of
CARICOM’s total exports in 1996 were the Region’s two highest commodities exported in 1996.
Analysis of Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and related materials revealed that the USA, CSME and Other
Caribbean Countries were CARICOM’s main destinations for this commodity. These trading areas
accounted for 46.5%, 22.9% and 17.3% respectively of CARICOM’s total exports of Minerals Fuels,
Lubricants and related materials. For CARICOM’s exports Food, the main destinations were EU,
CSME and USA with percentage contributions of 52.2%, 18.0% and 14.4% respectively (Tables 1.13.1
(e) – (h)).

1998
In 1998, Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and related materials and Food continued to be the CARICOM’s
top two commodities exported. However, the percentage contribution of Mineral Fuels, Lubricants
and related materials declined to 22.1% while the percentage contribution of Food expanded to
19.4%. With regards to Minerals Fuels, Lubricants and related materials, the USA, CSME and Other
Caribbean Countries continued to be the main destinations for this commodity. The percentage
contribution of USA to CARICOM’s exports of this commodity declined to 36.5% while the
percentage contributions of CSME and Other Caribbean Countries advanced to 28.1% and 19.8%
respectively. EU, CSME and USA maintained their positions as the Region’s top destinations for Food
with strengthened percentage contributions of 52.3%, 21.9% and 16.0% respectively (Tables 1.13.3
(e)-(h)).

2000
Analysis of (Tables 1.13.5 (e)-(h)) showed CARICOM’s total exports in 2000 continued to be
dominated by Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and related materials and Food. In this year the percentage
contribution of Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and related materials expanded to 42.1% while the
percentage contribution of Food declined to 13.7%. For exports of Mineral Fuels, Lubricants and
10

related materials, the USA, CSME and Other Caribbean Countries maintained their positions with
percentage contribution of USA advancing rapidly to 42.6%. The percentage contribution of CSME and
Other Caribbean Countries declined steadily to 21.5% and 15.0% respectively.
For CARICOM’s exports of Food in 2000, the EU, CSME and USA remained as top trading areas but
with declined percentage contributions for EU and CSME to 47.4% and 21.8% respectively and
expanded percentage contribution for the USA to 21.1%.

2001
For 2001, the trend changed, Minerals Fuels, lubricants and related materials with percentage
contribution of 43.9% and Chemicals and related products with percentage contribution of 15.4%
dominated CARICOM’s total exports. The major destinations for Minerals Fuels, lubricants and
related materials continued to be the USA, CSME and Other Caribbean Countries. However the
percentage contribution of USA declined to 37.5% while CSME and Other Caribbean Countries
expanded their percentage contributions to 22.9% and 19.1% respectively.

For CARICOM’s exports of Chemicals and related products the top destinations were the USA, EU
and CSME with percentage contributions of 66.5%, 13.5% and 11.9% respectively. These three trading
partners accounted for a combined percentage contribution of 91.9% of CARICOM’s exports of
Chemicals and related products.

Food was CARICOM’s fourth most exported commodity in 2001. The EU, CSME and USA remained
CARICOM’s major destinations for this commodity with decreased percentage contribution of EU and
the USA to 40.4% and 20.4% while the percentage contribution of CSME advanced to 26.3% (Tables
1.13.6 (e)-(h)).

CARICOM’s EXTRA-REGIONAL TRADE

CARICOM’s extra-regional imports moved from EC$18.5 billion in 1996 to EC$23.0 billion in 2001
(ten Member States reporting in both years) at an average annual growth rate of 4.5% over the period.
Its extra-regional exports expanded from EC$11.7 billion in 1996 (eleven Member States reporting) to
EC$13.4 billion in 2001 (ten Member States reporting) at an average annual growth rate of 2.8% over
the period. CARICOM’s extra-regional trade balance recorded deficits throughout the period moving
from EC$6.8 billion in 1996 to EC$9.6 billion in 2001(Tables 1.3 a & b).
11

CARICOM'S TRADE: A QUICK REFERENCE

CARICOM'S TRADE: A QUICK REFERENCE

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