Aruba Major Exports

Aruba, a small Caribbean island nation, has a relatively open and trade-dependent economy. While the country is best known for its tourism sector, its export profile is diverse, with key sectors including petroleum products, mineral fuels, machinery, and agricultural products. Due to its strategic location and developed infrastructure, Aruba serves as a transshipment hub for goods in the Caribbean region, further bolstering its export sector.

Petroleum Products

Aruba’s oil refining industry plays a major role in its export economy, despite the country not being a large producer of crude oil. The island has historically been a major player in refining and transshipping petroleum products, a significant portion of which is exported to international markets.

Petroleum Exports and Trade Value

  • Petroleum product exports were valued at approximately $1.3 billion in 2022.
  • The major products include refined oil, diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline.
  • Key export markets for Aruban petroleum products include the United States, Panama, and other Caribbean nations.

The Oranjestad Oil Refinery, once a major asset for the island, has undergone several changes in ownership and capacity. Despite fluctuations in the industry, Aruba remains an important regional transshipment hub for oil and petroleum products. The country imports crude oil, refines it, and exports the refined products to nearby markets.

Machinery and Electrical Equipment

Aruba’s export of machinery, equipment, and electrical appliances is an essential part of its economy. The country’s well-developed infrastructure supports the export of various industrial and commercial products, including vehicles, electronic devices, and machinery used in a variety of sectors.

Machinery and Equipment Exports and Trade Value

  • Machinery and electrical equipment exports were valued at approximately $200 million in 2022.
  • The main products include electrical machinery, mechanical appliances, and automobiles.
  • The United States, the Netherlands, and Venezuela are key export markets for these products.

Aruba has a small but growing manufacturing sector, with machinery and equipment being produced for export, particularly in the fields of automotive parts, electronics, and construction equipment. The country’s proximity to major markets like the United States and Venezuela enhances its export potential in these sectors.

Agricultural Products

Aruba’s agriculture is limited due to its arid climate and small land area. However, the country does produce a small range of agricultural goods for both domestic consumption and export. The primary agricultural products exported include aloe vera, livestock products, and fruits.

Agricultural Exports and Trade Value

  • Agricultural exports were valued at approximately $25 million in 2022.
  • Key products include aloe vera, livestock, tomatoes, and citrus fruits.
  • The primary export markets include the United States, the Netherlands, and other Caribbean islands.

Aloe vera, in particular, is a key export for Aruba due to its use in cosmetics, health products, and pharmaceuticals. The country has established itself as a producer of high-quality aloe vera, with demand rising particularly in North American and European markets. Other agricultural exports, including vegetables and fruits, are more limited but still contribute to Aruba’s export portfolio.

Fish and Seafood

As an island nation surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Aruba has a thriving fishing industry. The country exports various types of seafood, including conch, lobster, fish, and shrimp. These exports are vital for the country’s economy, particularly in the tourism-driven culinary sector.

Fish and Seafood Exports and Trade Value

  • Fish and seafood exports were valued at approximately $30 million in 2022.
  • Major products include lobster, conch, shrimp, and various types of fish such as snapper and grouper.
  • Key export markets include the United States, the Netherlands, and other Caribbean nations.

Aruba’s seafood industry is well-established, with the island’s waters being home to a variety of commercially viable marine species. The seafood industry caters to both regional markets and international demand, particularly from North America and Europe.

Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals

Aruba’s pharmaceutical industry is small but growing, with the country exporting a range of chemical and pharmaceutical products. These exports mainly cater to medical and health sectors in neighboring countries and the wider Caribbean region.

Pharmaceutical and Chemical Exports and Trade Value

  • Pharmaceutical and chemical exports were valued at approximately $50 million in 2022.
  • Major products include medicines, medical devices, and chemical products used in various industries.
  • The United States, the Netherlands, and Latin American countries are key export markets for these goods.

Though not a major player on the global stage, Aruba’s pharmaceutical industry has been expanding due to the island’s high standard of living and established healthcare infrastructure. The export of medical products and chemicals to regional markets plays a significant role in diversifying the country’s export economy.

Beverages and Alcohol

Aruba has a growing beverage industry, particularly in the production of rum and soft drinks. These products are popular in both local markets and international export markets, with rum being the most notable alcoholic export.

Beverage Exports and Trade Value

  • Beverage exports, including rum and non-alcoholic drinks, were valued at approximately $100 million in 2022.
  • The main products include rum, fruit juices, and soft drinks.
  • The United States, the Netherlands, and the Caribbean are major export markets for these beverages.

Aruba is known for its rum production, with several local distilleries producing high-quality rum that is exported globally. The country’s rum is particularly popular in the United States and the Caribbean, where it is often used in cocktails and as a luxury beverage. Additionally, Aruba exports fruit juices and other non-alcoholic beverages, contributing further to the country’s export economy.

Textiles and Clothing

The textile and clothing industry in Aruba is relatively small but plays an important role in the country’s export portfolio. Aruba produces clothing and textile products for both domestic use and export to other regions.

Textile and Clothing Exports and Trade Value

  • Textile and clothing exports were valued at approximately $15 million in 2022.
  • Major products include garments, textile goods, and apparel accessories.
  • Key export markets include the United States and the Netherlands.

Aruba’s textile exports are mainly focused on clothing and apparel products, which are often produced for tourists and the local market. These products include resort wear, swimwear, and other garments popular with tourists. While the industry is smaller in comparison to others, it remains a notable part of Aruba’s export economy.

Construction Materials

The construction industry in Aruba is robust, driven by the demand for residential, commercial, and tourist infrastructure. The export of construction materials, including cement and prefabricated goods, has seen steady growth in recent years.

Construction Material Exports and Trade Value

  • Construction material exports were valued at approximately $20 million in 2022.
  • Major products include cement, stone, and prefabricated building components.
  • Key export markets include the Caribbean and Latin America.

Aruba’s construction materials are largely produced locally and exported to neighboring Caribbean nations. The demand for building materials is particularly strong in the region, where rapid urbanization and tourism development continue to drive infrastructure projects.

Other Notable Exports

In addition to the major sectors mentioned above, Aruba also exports other niche products, including:

Jewelry and Precious Stones

  • Aruba has a small but growing jewelry industry, valued at approximately $10 million in exports, mainly targeting high-income markets in the United States and Europe.

Art and Crafts

  • Aruba’s artisan sector, producing handcrafted jewelry, artwork, and souvenirs, contributes modestly to the export economy.

Despite being a small island, Aruba has diversified its export sectors beyond petroleum products. The country’s strategic location, developed infrastructure, and strong trade relations with both Caribbean nations and international markets support its position as a growing exporter. As the island continues to develop its industrial and agricultural sectors, its export profile is likely to become even more varied and dynamic in the future.

Top Products Exported by Aruba

Market Value: 12,515 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024

Top Products Exported by Aruba

Rank Product Trade Value (thousands) Share (%) Growth (% 5yr)
1 Non Crude Oil 4,032,742 32.22 339.81
2 Petroleum Coke 57,642 0.46 386.18
3 Crude Oil 34,473 0.28 0.00
4 Gold 12,017 0.10 -2.13
5 Cane Sugar 7,711 0.06 -4.08
6 Sulfur 3,682 0.03 279.17
7 Mach For Making Up Pulp & Paper 3,396 0.03 0.00
8 Food Preparations 2,485 0.02 372.29
9 Ferrous Waste & Scrap 2,248 0.02 125.30
10 Chocolate 1,713 0.01 -86.27
11 Vegetable Saps & Extracts 925 0.01 -8.89
12 Rice 865 0.01 -81.33
13 Rolls of Toilet Paper 861 0.01 0.00
14 Watch Cases & Parts 816 0.01 0.00
15 Coal 792 0.01 -73.68
16 Ink Jet Printers 538 0.00 0.00
17 Motor Vehicle Parts 522 0.00 257.94
18 Mechanical Machinery & Parts 436 0.00 -42.92
19 Medicines in Doses 353 0.00 317.32
20 Orthopedic Appliances 342 0.00 456.62
21 Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments 326 0.00 8.36
22 Copper Waste & Scrap 296 0.00 58.10
23 Sulfur 275 0.00 0.00
24 Electric Sound & Visual Signaling Apparatus 217 0.00 0.00
25 Coke of Coal 216 0.00 0.00
26 Sanitary & Toiletry Paper 201 0.00 25,042.93
27 Filters & Centrifuges 136 0.00 44.40
28 Electric Capacitors 135 0.00 11,378.02
29 Leather Footwear 128 0.00 772.52
30 Taps, Cocks & Valves 125 0.00 -78.49
31 Iron & Steel > 600Mm Wide – Cold 121 0.00 65.00
32 Insulated Wire & Cable 117 0.00 462.04
33 Concentrated Milk & Cream 112 0.00 0.00
34 Beauty & Make-up Perparations 104 0.00 2,231.69
35 Tape Recorders 100 0.00 0.00
36 Refrigerators & Freezers 97 0.00 0.00
37 Parts For Machines & Instruments 97 0.00 10,547.74
38 Electronic Integrated Circuits 95 0.00 5,100.93
39 Human Blood 94 0.00 0.00
40 Seeds 88 0.00 0.00
41 Television, Radio & Assessory Parts 87 0.00 1,488.40
42 Aluminum Waste & Scrap 80 0.00 -57.93
43 Air & Vacuum Pumps 79 0.00 -46.34
44 Articles of Plastics 77 0.00 -66.20
45 Waste & Scrap of Precious Metals 76 0.00 0.00
46 Engine Parts 75 0.00 271.68
47 Lubricating Preparations 68 0.00 0.00
48 Articles of Vulcanized Rubber 60 0.00 173.48
49 Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts 59 0.00 827.94
50 Furniture & Parts 58 0.00 -14.25
51 X-Ray Apparatus 50 0.00 0.00
52 Ash & Residues 50 0.00 -34.31
53 Electric Water Heaters 47 0.00 0.00
54 Plastic Household Articles 45 0.00 493.30
55 Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts 45 0.00 1,126.70
56 Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows 44 0.00 0.00
57 Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis 42 0.00 38.30
58 Aircraft Parts 39 0.00 0.00
59 Ink 39 0.00 3,815.20
60 Iron & Steel < 600Mm Wide 39 0.00 0.00
61 Lifting & Handling Machines 39 0.00 168.71
62 Passenger Vehicles 38 0.00 -89.16
63 Fork-Lift Trucks 35 0.00 0.00
64 Computer & Office Machines Parts 33 0.00 -78.47
65 Trucks 33 0.00 -1.76
66 Articles of Aluminum 33 0.00 2,617.76
67 TV Receivers 32 0.00 3,254.77
68 Instruments for Measure & Check Flow 32 0.00 626.17
69 Clock & Watch Parts 30 0.00 2,179.98
70 Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders 30 0.00 -15.91
71 Lamps & Lighting Fittings 27 0.00 103.80
72 Screws, Bolts & Nuts 26 0.00 47.81
73 Waste of Paper & Paperboard 24 0.00 -49.30
74 Hand Tools 24 0.00 -38.47
75 Electrical Switching Boards 23 0.00 -31.86
76 Dishwashing & Packaging Machines 22 0.00 0.00
77 Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting 21 0.00 4,111.53
78 Computers, Printers & Storage Units 20 0.00 -95.48
79 Plastic Waste 20 0.00 0.00
80 Survey Instruments 20 0.00 160.76
81 Arcade, Table or Parlor Games 18 0.00 690.73
82 Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers 18 0.00 -81.72
83 Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies 18 0.00 -73.22
84 Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts 17 0.00 21.36
85 Pumps For Liquids 17 0.00 -99.13
86 Pulley Tackle & Hoists 17 0.00 0.00
87 Articles of Jewelry & Parts 16 0.00 -83.50
88 Glassware For Table 16 0.00 1,954.89
89 Non-Knit Track Suits 16 0.00 223.04
90 Diesel Engines 16 0.00 0.00
91 Primary Cells & Batteries 15 0.00 0.00
92 Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments 14 0.00 8.09
93 Candy 14 0.00 0.00
94 Printed Circuits 14 0.00 0.00
95 Odoriferous Mixtures 14 0.00 0.00
96 Paint & Varnish 14 0.00 774.87
97 Stranded Wire 14 0.00 -33.39
98 Machinery For Typeset 13 0.00 0.00
99 Binders For Found Molds 13 0.00 183.78
100 Articles of Iron & Steel 13 0.00 -85.98
101 Bread, Pastry & Cakes 13 0.00 0.00
102 Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus 13 0.00 20.59
103 Cast Iron Articles 13 0.00 -95.97
104 Electric Motors & Generators 12 0.00 66.49
105 Food & Drink Preparation Machines 12 0.00 -97.40
106 Non-Adhesive Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film 12 0.00 594.73
107 Gloves 12 0.00 0.00
108 Electric Light Equipment 12 0.00 0.00
109 Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts 11 0.00 -69.01
110 Plastic Containers 11 0.00 -91.55
111 Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel 11 0.00 0.00
112 Dried Fish 10 0.00 0.00
113 Knitted Mens & Boys Shirts 9 0.00 0.00
114 Office Paper 9 0.00 -65.73
115 Personal Toilet Preparations 9 0.00 252.00
116 Books 9 0.00 1,059.19
117 Postage & Revenue Stamps 9 0.00 -84.57
118 Machinery For Working Rubber & Plastics 8 0.00 117.91
119 Pictures & Photos 8 0.00 -50.98
120 Non Wovens 8 0.00 0.00
121 Salt 7 0.00 0.00
122 Glaziers Putty & Caulking 7 0.00 0.00
123 Parts For Electric Equipment 7 0.00 -97.25
124 Gas, Water, Electric Meters 7 0.00 0.00
125 Watches with Precious Metal Case 6 0.00 -78.33
126 Photocopy Apparatus 6 0.00 726.27
127 Agricultural & Poultry Equipment 6 0.00 0.00
128 Seamed Hollow Tubes & Pipes 6 0.00 949.73
129 Polymers of Propylene & Other Olefins 6 0.00 278.78
130 Measuring or Checking Instruments 6 0.00 79.03
131 Textile Footwear 6 0.00 0.00
132 Polyethers 6 0.00 0.00
133 Tools For Working in the Hand 6 0.00 373.39
134 Organic Surface-Active Agents 6 0.00 837.83
135 Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments 6 0.00 0.00
136 Interchange Hand & Machine Tools 6 0.00 0.00
137 Motion-Picture Film 6 0.00 0.00
138 Nails 5 0.00 0.00
139 Perfumes & Toilet Waters 5 0.00 84.19
140 Trailers 5 0.00 -92.25
141 Worn Clothing 5 0.00 0.00
142 Aircraft Engines 5 0.00 0.00
143 Milking Machines & Parts 5 0.00 0.00
144 Physical Exercise Equipment 5 0.00 -52.49
145 Narrow Woven Fabrics 5 0.00 177.21
146 Work Trucks 4 0.00 0.00
147 Seamless Iron & Steel Tubes & Pipes 4 0.00 -99.49
148 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts 4 0.00 0.00
149 Knitted T-Shirts 4 0.00 71.89
150 Bran 4 0.00 -89.50
151 Paper Labels 3 0.00 -22.73
152 Newspapers 3 0.00 0.00
153 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits 3 0.00 -93.30
154 Machines For Cleaning Seed 3 0.00 0.00
155 Nails 3 0.00 0.00
156 Photographic Still Cameras 3 0.00 223.94
157 Molluscs 3 0.00 -95.32
158 Semi Trucks & Tractors 3 0.00 -88.87
159 Ceramic Statuettes 3 0.00 0.00
160 Optical Lenses & Fibers 3 0.00 0.00
161 Woven Cotton Fabrics – > 85% < 200G/M2 3 0.00 0.00
162 Parts of Electric Motors 3 0.00 0.00
163 Provitamins & Vitamins 3 0.00 0.00
164 Articles of Natural & Cultured Pearls 3 0.00 0.00
165 Liquid Crystal Devices 3 0.00 166.21
166 Microphones 2 0.00 9.26
167 Transister & Semiconductor Devices 2 0.00 55.78
168 Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps 2 0.00 0.00
169 Transmission Belts of Vulcanized Rubber 2 0.00 0.00
170 Video Recording Equipment 2 0.00 0.00
171 Sand Blasting Machines 2 0.00 -52.63
172 Springs & Leaves For Springs 2 0.00 0.00
173 Electric Lasers 2 0.00 -80.24
174 Builders Ware of Plastics 2 0.00 0.00
175 Fresh Fish 2 0.00 -93.07
176 Railway Track Construct Material 2 0.00 0.00
177 Dried Vegetables 2 0.00 0.00
178 Flexible Tubing of Base Metal 2 0.00 0.00
179 Water Heaters 2 0.00 0.00
180 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Slips 2 0.00 0.00
181 Prepared Glues & Adhesives 2 0.00 0.00
182 Hand Paintings & Drawings 1 0.00 -21.12
183 Knit &Lace Hats 1 0.00 0.00
184 Labels & Badges 1 0.00 0.00
185 Misc Tools 1 0.00 0.00
186 Knitted Womens & Girls Blouses & Shirts 1 0.00 0.00
187 Bed & Table Linen 1 0.00 118.11
188 Wire & Rods 1 0.00 0.00
189 Knitted Mens & Boys Underpants 1 0.00 0.00
190 Umbrellas 1 0.00 0.00
191 Ceramic Tableware of Porcelain & China 1 0.00 -72.96
192 Foods Prepared By Cereal Grain 1 0.00 0.00
193 Soups 1 0.00 0.00
194 Shawls & Scarves 1 0.00 0.00
195 Knitted Sweaters 1 0.00 -65.26
196 Spectacles 1 0.00 -98.84
197 Cycle Parts & Assessories 1 0.00 -32.46
198 Embroidery in the Piece 1 0.00 0.00
199 Plastic Tubes 1 0.00 0.00
200 Records & Tapes 1 0.00 -77.07
201 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits 1 0.00 0.00
202 Fabricated Asbestos Fibers 1 0.00 0.00
203 Molding Boxes For Metal Foundry 1 0.00 -87.09
204 Containers of Transport 1 0.00 -94.13
205 Plastic Floor Cover & Wall Cover 1 0.00 0.00
206 Notebooks & Business Forms 1 0.00 -72.06
207 Non-Knit Babies Garments & Accessories 1 0.00 -64.98
208 Synthetic Coloring Matter 1 0.00 0.00
209 Malt Extract 1 0.00 0.00
210 Compound Optical Microscopes 1 0.00 0.00
211 Alloy Steel Bars 1 0.00 0.00
212 Time of Day Recording Equipment 1 0.00 0.00
213 Plastic & Rubber Footwear 1 0.00 -78.63
214 Iron & Steel > 600 mm Wide – Clad 1 0.00 -98.99
215 Parts For Machine Tools 1 0.00 0.00
216 Soft Drinks 1 0.00 -99.61
217 Copper Tube & Pipe Fittings 0 0.00 0.00
218 Electric Parts & Accessories 0 0.00 0.00
219 Ceramic Tableware & Earthenware 0 0.00 0.00
220 Seats & Parts 0 0.00 -94.04
221 Machine Tools For Working Stone 0 0.00 0.00
222 Electric Signal & Safety Equipment 0 0.00 0.00
223 Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods 0 0.00 -78.20
224 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Overcoats 0 0.00 0.00
225 Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials 0 0.00 0.00
226 Composite Diagnostic & Lab Reagents 0 0.00 0.00
227 Organic Composite Solvents & Thinners 0 0.00 0.00
228 Electromech Domestic Appliances 0 0.00 -81.63
229 Tube & Pipe Fittings 0 0.00 -99.86
230 Developed Photo Film 0 0.00 0.00
231 Felt Garments 0 0.00 0.00
232 Yeasts 0 0.00 0.00
233 Oxygen-Function Amino-Compounds 0 0.00 0.00
234 Electrical Resistors 0 0.00 -95.59
235 Checks & Stamps 0 0.00 0.00
236 Live Fish 0 0.00 0.00
237 Battery Waste 0 0.00 -98.73
238 Padlocks 0 0.00 0.00
239 Festive & Entertainment Art 0 0.00 -95.32
240 Vegetables & Fruits Preserved by Vinegar 0 0.00 0.00
241 Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony 0 0.00 0.00
242 Demonstrational Instruments & Parts 0 0.00 0.00
243 Imitation Jewelry 0 0.00 0.00
244 Glass Beads & Articles 0 0.00 -83.61
245 Knitted Garments 0 0.00 0.00
246 Textile Hosepiping & Similar Textile Tubing 0 0.00 -96.16
247 Sauces & Condiments 0 0.00 0.00
248 Electronic Tubes 0 0.00 -95.95
249 Knotted Carpets 0 0.00 0.00
250 Hair Preparations 0 0.00 0.00
251 Hand-Operated Spanners & Wrenches 0 0.00 0.00
252 Puzzles, Models & Toys 0 0.00 0.00
253 Bells & Ornaments 0 0.00 0.00
254 Tableware of Base Metal 0 0.00 -89.10
255 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses 0 0.00 -99.39
256 Vacuum Flasks & Vessels 0 0.00 0.00
257 Coffee 0 0.00 0.00
258 Plastic Self-Adhesive Plates 0 0.00 -99.46
259 Misc Carpets 0 0.00 0.00
260 Prepared Unrecorded Sound Media 0 0.00 0.00
261 Harvest Machines 0 0.00 -94.97
262 Household Art & Parts 0 0.00 0.00
263 Pickling Preparations For Metal 0 0.00 0.00
264 Plastic Baths & Toilet Seats 0 0.00 0.00
265 Leather Apparel & Accessories 0 0.00 0.00
266 Wood Marquetry 0 0.00 0.00
267 Electric Storage Batteries 0 0.00 -99.30
268 Handtools & Tools Used in Agriculture 0 0.00 0.00
269 Artificial Flowers 0 0.00 0.00
270 Office Machines 0 0.00 0.00
271 Abrasive Powder 0 0.00 0.00
272 Electromagnets 0 0.00 0.00
273 Glass Mirrors 0 0.00 0.00
274 Ceramic Sinks 0 0.00 0.00
275 Watches 0 0.00 -99.81
276 Pens & Mechanical Pencils 0 0.00 -99.68
277 Basketwork 0 0.00 0.00
278 Knitted Womens & Girls Suits 0 0.00 0.00
279 Knitted Made-Up Clothing Accessories 0 0.00 0.00
280 Bicycles 0 0.00 0.00
281 Stainless Steel Bars & Rods – Angles 0 0.00 0.00
282 Misc Headgear 0 0.00 0.00
283 Knitted Pantyhose 0 0.00 0.00
284 Articles of Wood 0 0.00 0.00
285 Curtains & Interior Blinds 0 0.00 0.00
286 Turntables & Cassette Players 0 0.00 0.00
287 Files, Pliers & Shears 0 0.00 0.00
288 Glazed Ceramic Flags & Paving 0 0.00 -99.67
289 Sewing Machines 0 0.00 0.00
290 Made-Up Clothes Accessories 0 0.00 0.00
291 Polishes & Creams For Leather 0 0.00 0.00
292 Electrical Insulators of Any Material 0 0.00 -99.62
293 Machinery Parts 0 0.00 -100.00
294 Woven Fabric of Synthetic Filament Yarn 0 0.00 -99.92
295 Knitted Track Suits 0 0.00 0.00
296 Sgn Plts Nos a Symbols Except Bm 0 0.00 0.00
297 Clocks 0 0.00 0.00
298 Compasses & Navigation Instruments 0 0.00 -99.99
299 Scissors 0 0.00 -99.72