NEWS RELEASE

International Merchandise Trade May 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KINGSTON, September 9, 2026: For the period January to May 2026, Jamaica’s total spending on imports was valued at US$3,218.3 million, while earnings from total exports were valued at US$674.7 million as released today by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). The value of imports increased by 1.8 per cent when compared to US$3,161.4 million earned in the corresponding 2025 period. This increase was driven by higher expenditure on Raw Materials/Intermediate Goods and Capital Goods (excl. Motor Cars) and Transport Equipment, which grew by 5.2 per cent, 7.4 per cent and 6.6 per cent, respectively.

Total exports for the January to May 2026 period was 12.5 per cent lower than the US$770.9 million earned in the similar 2025 review period. This decrease was primarily due to a 44.3 per cent reduction in the export value of Crude Materials (Excl. Fuels).

MAIN TRADING PARTNERS The five main import trading partners for the period January to May 2026 were the United States of America (USA), China, Japan, Colombia and Brazil. Expenditure on imports of goods from these countries amounted to US$2,153.3 million, reflecting an increase of 14.3 per cent compared to the US$1,884.6 million recorded in 2025. The top five destinations for Jamaica’s exports were the USA, the Russian Federation, the Netherlands, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Export revenues from these countries fell by 0.5 per cent to US$507.0 million, down from US$509.6 million earned in 2025. The International Merchandise Trade Bulletin outlines additional information on Jamaica's international trade activities. The April 2026 International Merchandise Trade Bulletin is available on the Statistical Institute of Jamaica's website www.statinja.gov.jm or from the Information Section of the Institute at (876)-630-1619. Visit the Institute’s Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram pages @STATINJA for the April 2026 IMT infographics.

About us:

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica is the National Statistics Office (NSO) and the leading provider of official statistics on the country’s economic, social, demographic. And environmental conditions. The institute periodically releases monthly, quarterly, and annual products such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation rate, international merchandise trade, social and population statistics. STATIN is dedicated to delivering accurate, comprehensive, and timely data that supports informed decision-making and aligns with the Institute’s mission.

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Contact: Georgia Garvey-Green Corporate Communications Manager Communications and Marketing unit Corporate Services Division Telephone: (876) 630-1600 Email: media@statinja.gov.jm 

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