SIB Reports Mixed Economic Trends for October

Belize’s economic indicators for October 2025 show a mixed but overall steady performance, reflecting a slight dip in imports, strong export growth, mild inflation, and a small decrease in consumer confidence nationwide.  According to three new Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) publications released this week, Belize imported $273.6 million in goods for October 2025, representing a 2.7 percent decline when compared to the same month last year. The largest drops were seen in Machinery and Transport Equipment – down $7.3 million; Mineral Fuels and Lubricants – down $4.7 million; Commercial Free Zone imports – down $4.6 million.  On the other hand, increases were recorded in several key areas, including Manufactured Goods – up $5.9 million.  This category was driven by galvanized steel coils, cement, and glass bottles.  Crude Materials were also up $4.7 million due to higher treated pine lumber imports; Food and Live Animals also recorded an increase of $2.6 million, and Beverages and Tobacco registered an increase of up $0.6 million.  Under the category of domestic imports, there was a sharp increase of 19.8 percent, equivalent to 32.7 million dollars.  This increase was seen primarily due to sugar exports, which more than doubled from $4 million to $9.5 million; marine exports went up by one point eight million dollars; bananas by point seven million dollars and cattle and pepper sauces both increased by point four million dollars.  Notably, citrus products were the only major export category to decline, falling by $2.8 million due to lower orange concentrate shipments.