In May 2014, Belize imported $194.8 million worth of goods, a 19.5% increase from May 2013. The largest increases were in mineral fuels and lubricants as well as food items like corn seeds and rice. The United States accounted for the most imports at 28.3% while Curaçao saw increased fuel imports and was second at 17%. Domestic exports amounted to only $50.2 million in May, down almost $32 million from the previous year due to decreases in orange concentrate, marine products, and crude oil which is only exported every other month. After five months in 2014, total exports were $77 million lower than the same period in 2013 mainly due to declines in crude oil,

1. Statistical Institute of Belize ..............................................................................
Belize
External
Trade Bulletin
May
2014
1
Belize
External Trade
Statistical Institute of Belize
1902 Constitution Drive
Belmopan City, Belize C.A.
Phone: 501.822.2207 / 2352
Fax: 502.822.3206
Email: info@mail.sib.org.bz
Web: www.sib.org.bz
1
IMPORTS
Last month, Belize imported $194.8 million worth of
goods, an increase of $31.7 million or 19.5 percent
over the $162.9 million spent in May 2013. This puts
the value of imports for the first five months of the year
at just under $800 million, which represents an increase
of roughly $54 million over the same period in 2013.
In May 2014, the largest rise in spending occurred in the
‘Mineral Fuels and Lubricants’ category, which went up
by $16.7 million due to increased purchases of premium
gasoline and diesel. The food category showed a $5.4
million increase mainly because of more purchases of
corn seeds and white rice.
The United States of America accounted for 28.3
percent of total imports in the month. It was followed by
Curaçao with 17 percent, buoyed by an increase in fuel
imports. The total value of goods imported during May
represented an all-time high in monthly imports.
Since the start of the year, Belize has imported $796.7
million worth of goods. This is $53.8 million more
than the same period last year. There have been
increased imports of all major categories of goods
except manufactured goods and goods destined for the
Commercial Free Zone, which showed decreases of
$0.5 million and $16.1 million, respectively.
MAY 2014
June 25, 2014
127.1
158.9
173.1 163.0
194.8
39.3
85.6
58.8
77.5
50.2
Jan-10
Apr-10
Jul-10
Oct-10
Jan-11
Apr-11
Jul-11
Oct-11
Jan-12
Apr-12
Jul-12
Oct-12
Jan-13
Apr-13
Jul-13
Oct-13
Jan-14
Apr-14
MillionsofBZDollars
Figure 1: Monthly Gross Imports and Domestic Exports;
January 2010 - May 2014
IMPORTS EXPORTS
Intermediate
Goods
40%
Other Goods
28%
Consumer
Goods
21%
Capital Goods
11%
Figure 2: Gross Imports by Type May 2014
Total = $194.8 million

2. Statistical Institute of Belize ..............................................................................
Belize
External
Trade Bulletin
May
2014
2
DOMESTIC EXPORTS
Domestic exports receipts amounted to $50.2 million
in May 2014, representing a fall of almost $32 million
from the same month last year. No crude petroleum
was exported during the month, continuing the practice
whereby shipments are made only every other month.
Sales of orange concentrate and marine products were
down significantly from twelve months ago.
The EU provided more than one half of the export
receipts during the month, followed by the USA with a
25 percent share. As shown in Figure 4, citrus, sugar
and bananas were the top three earners during the
month.
After five months this year, total domestic export receipts
stand at $254.7 million, a full $77 million less than the
amount earned in same period last year. Earnings have
fallen for all major exports, with sales of crude oil alone
down by $32 million, matching the decline for sugar and
citrus combined.
For more information contact Data Dissemination Department at telephone number 822-2207/2352 or e-mail at info@mail.sib.org.bz.
An Excel version of the tables contained in this release can be downloaded from our website at www.sib.org.bz
55.2
13.1
7.2
18.8 19.4
12.4
26.8
4.5
2.5 0.1
United States European
Union
Caricom Mexico China
MillionsofBZDollars
Gross Imports Domestic Exports
Figure 3: Merchandise Trade with Selected Countries/Regions;
May 2014
Citrus
32%
Sugar
30%
Bananas
14%
Other Goods
11%
Marine Products
7%
Animal Feed
6%
Figure 4: Domestic Exports by Type May 2014
Total = $50.2 million