Saint Kitts and Nevis Major Exports
Saint Kitts and Nevis, the smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere by land area, has a relatively small but growing export sector. The country’s economy is largely driven by services, particularly tourism and finance, but it also has a notable export profile. Agriculture, manufacturing, and some high-end products contribute to its trade balance. In 2023, Saint Kitts and Nevis’ total export value was estimated at approximately $120 million. The key exports include agricultural products, industrial goods, and rum. Below is an overview of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ major export sectors, along with their respective trade values.
1. Agriculture and Agricultural Products
Overview of Agricultural Exports
Agriculture remains an essential part of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ economy, though it has become less dominant in recent years due to shifts toward services like tourism. However, the country still produces significant quantities of sugar, fresh fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products. Sugar, in particular, has been a historical cornerstone of the economy, with sugar cane farming remaining a vital agricultural activity on Saint Kitts.
- Agricultural Export Value: Agricultural exports contribute around $30 million annually to the country’s total export revenue.
- Key Products: Sugar, fresh fruits (especially bananas), vegetables, and root crops.
Key Markets for Agricultural Exports
- United Kingdom: The UK remains one of the largest markets for Saint Kitts and Nevis’ agricultural exports, particularly for sugar and bananas.
- United States: The U.S. imports a variety of agricultural products from Saint Kitts and Nevis, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Caribbean and Regional Markets: Neighboring Caribbean nations are key markets for fresh produce, such as vegetables and fruits, particularly during the tourist season.
2. Rum and Alcoholic Beverages
Overview of Rum Exports
Saint Kitts and Nevis is known for producing high-quality rum, which has become one of its flagship exports. The island of Saint Kitts is home to several distilleries that produce rum, which is internationally recognized for its distinct taste and quality. Rum has a long history in the region, dating back to the colonial era, and remains one of the most important export products.
- Rum Export Value: Rum and other alcoholic beverages contribute approximately $25 million annually to the nation’s total exports.
- Key Products: Rum, other spirits, and liquors.
Key Markets for Rum Exports
- United States: The U.S. is a major market for Saint Kitts and Nevis’ rum, particularly in the Caribbean rum category, where it enjoys steady demand.
- United Kingdom: The UK is another significant importer of rum, especially for premium and craft varieties.
- Canada: Canada has a growing demand for Caribbean rum, making it an important export destination for Saint Kitts and Nevis.
3. Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products
Overview of Pharmaceuticals Exports
Although Saint Kitts and Nevis does not have a major pharmaceutical industry, it does export some medical and healthcare products, including medical supplies and pharmaceuticals. The country is part of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which facilitates regional trade and the export of medical products to neighboring countries and global markets.
- Pharmaceutical Export Value: Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies contribute around $10 million annually to exports.
- Key Products: Pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and supplies.
Key Markets for Pharmaceutical Exports
- Caribbean Markets: Neighboring Caribbean countries, particularly within the CARICOM region, are the primary destinations for medical supplies.
- United States: The U.S. is a key market for specialized medical products and pharmaceuticals produced in the region.
4. Manufacturing and Industrial Goods
Overview of Manufacturing Exports
Saint Kitts and Nevis has a small manufacturing sector, but it is growing, especially in areas such as food processing, beverages, and light industry. The country produces a variety of processed foods and consumer goods that are exported to regional and international markets. The manufacturing sector has been receiving support through government initiatives aimed at increasing productivity and diversifying the economy.
- Manufacturing Export Value: Manufacturing and industrial goods contribute approximately $15 million annually to the export economy.
- Key Products: Processed foods, consumer goods, and construction materials.
Key Markets for Manufacturing Exports
- Caribbean and Regional Markets: The regional Caribbean market is a key destination for Saint Kitts and Nevis’ manufactured goods, particularly food products.
- United States: The U.S. imports processed foods and consumer goods from the country, which are largely marketed to Caribbean diaspora communities.
5. Electronics and Electrical Equipment
Overview of Electronics Exports
While Saint Kitts and Nevis does not have a large electronics manufacturing sector, it does export some electronic products and components. These exports primarily include electrical machinery and equipment, most of which are produced in regional export hubs and redistributed through Saint Kitts and Nevis’ free trade zones.
- Electronics Export Value: Exports of electronics and electrical equipment contribute approximately $5 million to the country’s total exports.
- Key Products: Electrical machinery, computers, and electronic components.
Key Markets for Electronics Exports
- United States: The U.S. is a key market for Saint Kitts and Nevis’ electronic exports, particularly for components and computer-related products.
- Caribbean Markets: Neighboring countries in the Caribbean import electrical equipment and electronic products, which are vital for regional development and infrastructure projects.
6. Textiles and Clothing
Overview of Textile and Clothing Exports
Saint Kitts and Nevis has a limited textile and garment manufacturing industry. The export of textiles and clothing is mostly concentrated in small-scale operations. However, the country does produce and export a variety of locally made clothing and textiles, often for niche markets in the tourism and fashion industries.
- Textiles and Clothing Export Value: Exports of textiles and clothing contribute around $4 million annually to total exports.
- Key Products: Locally made clothing, textiles, and fashion accessories.
Key Markets for Textiles and Clothing Exports
- United States: The U.S. imports a portion of Saint Kitts and Nevis’ clothing and textile products, especially those targeted at Caribbean and tropical markets.
- Caribbean and Regional Markets: Other Caribbean nations are key markets for locally made clothing, especially items designed for tourism and leisure activities.
7. Fish and Seafood Products
Overview of Fish and Seafood Exports
Fishing is an important industry in Saint Kitts and Nevis, providing both for domestic consumption and export. Fish and seafood products, particularly lobster, tuna, and conch, are among the country’s notable exports. The fishing industry benefits from Saint Kitts and Nevis’ location in the Caribbean, with access to rich marine resources.
- Fish and Seafood Export Value: Fish and seafood contribute around $7 million annually to the country’s export earnings.
- Key Products: Lobster, tuna, conch, and other seafood.
Key Markets for Fish and Seafood Exports
- United States: The U.S. is a major importer of seafood from Saint Kitts and Nevis, particularly lobster and tuna.
- European Union: The EU, particularly countries like France and the Netherlands, imports seafood products from the country for its high-end restaurant markets.
8. Chemicals and Petrochemicals
Overview of Chemical Exports
Saint Kitts and Nevis has a small but growing chemical industry. Most of the country’s chemical exports are related to the agricultural sector, including fertilizers and pesticides. These products are primarily intended for export to other Caribbean nations, where agriculture remains a significant industry.
- Chemical Export Value: Chemicals contribute around $3 million annually to the country’s export economy.
- Key Products: Fertilizers, pesticides, and agricultural chemicals.
Key Markets for Chemical Exports
- Caribbean Markets: Neighboring Caribbean countries are the primary importers of chemicals from Saint Kitts and Nevis, particularly fertilizers and agricultural inputs.
- United States: The U.S. imports some specialty chemicals and agricultural products from the country.
Top Products Exported by St. Kitts
Market Value: 183 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024
| Rank | Product | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) | Growth (% 5yr) |
| 1 | Television, Radio & Assessory Parts | 18,892 | 10.34 | 29.72 |
| 2 | Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts | 15,080 | 8.25 | -30.55 |
| 3 | Parts of Electric Motors | 8,547 | 4.68 | 71.45 |
| 4 | Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies | 5,478 | 3.00 | 259.96 |
| 5 | Parts For Electric Equipment | 4,683 | 2.56 | 379.10 |
| 6 | Electrical Resistors | 1,887 | 1.03 | 451.12 |
| 7 | Electrical Switching Boards | 997 | 0.55 | -42.09 |
| 8 | Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments | 747 | 0.41 | 735.77 |
| 9 | Beer | 518 | 0.28 | 0.00 |
| 10 | Electric Motors & Generators | 428 | 0.23 | 1,057.57 |
| 11 | Brooms & Mops | 390 | 0.21 | 45.35 |
| 12 | Soft Drinks | 243 | 0.13 | -17.90 |
| 13 | Parts For Machine Tools | 217 | 0.12 | 0.00 |
| 14 | Computers, Printers & Storage Units | 196 | 0.11 | -32.89 |
| 15 | Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts | 195 | 0.11 | -65.15 |
| 16 | Coffee | 161 | 0.09 | -12.08 |
| 17 | Alcoholic Beverages | 145 | 0.08 | 852.95 |
| 18 | Engine Parts | 138 | 0.08 | 1,070.47 |
| 19 | Vessels For Transport | 121 | 0.07 | 0.00 |
| 20 | Electronic Integrated Circuits | 117 | 0.06 | -50.41 |
| 21 | Engines & Motors | 92 | 0.05 | -32.79 |
| 22 | Insulated Wire & Cable | 75 | 0.04 | 689.81 |
| 23 | Misc Animal Products | 72 | 0.04 | 0.00 |
| 24 | Copper Waste & Scrap | 71 | 0.04 | -84.01 |
| 25 | Printed Circuits | 70 | 0.04 | -33.93 |
| 26 | Cut Flowers & Buds | 69 | 0.04 | 0.00 |
| 27 | Filters & Centrifuges | 68 | 0.04 | 469.48 |
| 28 | Nuts | 63 | 0.03 | 0.00 |
| 29 | Photocopy Apparatus | 56 | 0.03 | 0.00 |
| 30 | Motor Vehicle Parts | 54 | 0.03 | -37.02 |
| 31 | Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus | 52 | 0.03 | 5,443.43 |
| 32 | Passenger Vehicles | 42 | 0.02 | -36.34 |
| 33 | Mechanical Machinery & Parts | 38 | 0.02 | -51.61 |
| 34 | Live Plants | 37 | 0.02 | 105.46 |
| 35 | Trucks | 33 | 0.02 | 506.28 |
| 36 | Computer & Office Machines Parts | 31 | 0.02 | 94.84 |
| 37 | Plastic Containers | 31 | 0.02 | 185.71 |
| 38 | Heavy Construction Equipment | 25 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 39 | Ferroalloys | 25 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 40 | Pumps For Liquids | 25 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 41 | Aluminum Waste & Scrap | 25 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 42 | Vans & Buses | 24 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 43 | Taps, Cocks & Valves | 21 | 0.01 | 731.40 |
| 44 | Knitted Womens & Girls Slips | 19 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 45 | Tarps, Sails & Tents | 17 | 0.01 | 24.31 |
| 46 | Switching Equipment, > 1000 V | 17 | 0.01 | -91.08 |
| 47 | Central Heat Boilers | 17 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 48 | Cane Sugar | 17 | 0.01 | -99.84 |
| 49 | Non-Knit Track Suits | 16 | 0.01 | -98.76 |
| 50 | Household Articles | 16 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 51 | Tea | 15 | 0.01 | -91.52 |
| 52 | Shawls & Scarves | 14 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 53 | Demonstrational Instruments & Parts | 14 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 54 | Carboxylic Acid | 14 | 0.01 | -84.66 |
| 55 | Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments | 13 | 0.01 | -73.16 |
| 56 | Binders For Found Molds | 13 | 0.01 | 2,235.73 |
| 57 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits | 13 | 0.01 | -71.44 |
| 58 | Knitted Sweaters | 13 | 0.01 | -32.57 |
| 59 | Articles of Plastics | 13 | 0.01 | 30.29 |
| 60 | Books | 12 | 0.01 | 168.35 |
| 61 | Electric Light Equipment | 10 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 62 | Pepper | 10 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 63 | Interchange Hand & Machine Tools | 10 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 64 | Electric Signal & Safety Equipment | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 65 | Precious & Semiprecious Stones | 8 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 66 | Articles of Cutlery | 8 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 67 | Plants For Pharmacy | 8 | 0.00 | -76.34 |
| 68 | Water Heaters | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 69 | Artificial Flowers | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 70 | Imitation Jewelry | 7 | 0.00 | -91.68 |
| 71 | Articles of Aluminum | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 72 | Hand Tools | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 73 | Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods | 6 | 0.00 | -78.08 |
| 74 | Cycle Parts & Assessories | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 75 | Shell Fish | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 76 | Plastic Sheets, Film & Plates | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 77 | Bed & Table Linen | 5 | 0.00 | -31.42 |
| 78 | Survey Instruments | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 79 | Revolution & Production Count Meters | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 80 | Electromech Domestic Appliances | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 81 | Locust Beans | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 82 | Molluscs | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 83 | Leather Apparel & Accessories | 4 | 0.00 | -56.84 |
| 84 | Composite Diagnostic & Lab Reagents | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 85 | Aircraft Parts | 4 | 0.00 | -80.61 |
| 86 | Liquid Crystal Devices | 4 | 0.00 | -99.89 |
| 87 | Electric Capacitors | 3 | 0.00 | 42.79 |
| 88 | Art Paper | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 89 | Articles of Vulcanized Rubber | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 90 | Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials | 3 | 0.00 | -29.40 |
| 91 | Ceramic Tableware & Earthenware | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 92 | Piston Engines | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 93 | Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts | 3 | 0.00 | 332.34 |
| 94 | Unsaturated Acyclic & Cyclic Monocarbox Acid | 3 | 0.00 | -78.30 |
| 95 | Aluminum Structures & Parts of | 3 | 0.00 | -83.73 |
| 96 | Machinery Parts | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 97 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Slips | 3 | 0.00 | 89.99 |
| 98 | Microphones | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 99 | Beauty & Make-up Perparations | 2 | 0.00 | -86.62 |
| 100 | Dextrins | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 101 | Glass Mirrors | 2 | 0.00 | 3.61 |
| 102 | Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 103 | Sauces & Condiments | 2 | 0.00 | 70.71 |
| 104 | Wood Marquetry | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 105 | Food Preparations | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 106 | Nucleic Acids & Salts | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 107 | Leather Footwear | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 108 | Electric Parts & Accessories | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 109 | Buttons | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 110 | Air Conditioners | 1 | 0.00 | -50.25 |
| 111 | Articles of Stone | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 112 | Hydrometers & Thermometers | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 113 | Transister & Semiconductor Devices | 1 | 0.00 | -96.55 |
| 114 | Electric Lasers | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 115 | Pictures & Photos | 1 | 0.00 | -70.24 |
| 116 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts | 1 | 0.00 | -90.63 |
| 117 | Air & Vacuum Pumps | 1 | 0.00 | -87.35 |
| 118 | Worn Clothing | 1 | 0.00 | -20.02 |
| 119 | Hand Paintings & Drawings | 1 | 0.00 | -94.00 |
| 120 | Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps | 1 | 0.00 | 15.85 |
| 121 | Articles of Wood | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 122 | Woven Pile & Chenille Fabrics | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 123 | Plastic Self-Adhesive Plates | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 124 | Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers | 1 | 0.00 | -80.27 |
| 125 | Fresh Fruit | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 126 | Furnishing Articles of Textile Materials | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 127 | Knitted Mens & Boys Suits | 1 | 0.00 | -71.19 |
| 128 | Furniture & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | -92.90 |
| 129 | Molasses | 0 | 0.00 | -99.93 |
| 130 | Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 131 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits | 0 | 0.00 | -99.70 |
| 132 | Knitted Track Suits | 0 | 0.00 | -99.90 |
| 133 | Electric Water Heaters | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 134 | Non Sweetened Waters | 0 | 0.00 | -75.70 |
| 135 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Undershirts | 0 | 0.00 | -65.95 |
| 136 | Essent Oils Resinoid | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 137 | Knitted Womens & Girls Blouses & Shirts | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 138 | Ferrous Waste & Scrap | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 139 | Lamps & Lighting Fittings | 0 | 0.00 | -84.55 |
| 140 | Fishing Rods & Tackle | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 141 | Tools For Working in the Hand | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 142 | Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 143 | Motorcycles | 0 | 0.00 | -82.64 |
| 144 | Articles of Iron & Steel | 0 | 0.00 | -98.01 |
| 145 | Foods Prepared By Cereal Grain | 0 | 0.00 | -99.52 |
| 146 | Melons & Papayas | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 147 | Auxiliary Plant Used With Boilers | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 148 | Screws, Bolts & Nuts | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 149 | Knitted Garments | 0 | 0.00 | -98.56 |
| 150 | Wine | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 151 | Knitted T-Shirts | 0 | 0.00 | -98.04 |
| 152 | TV Receivers | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 153 | Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 154 | Builders Ware of Plastics | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 155 | Chain & Parts | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 156 | Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 157 | Dishwashing & Packaging Machines | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 158 | Puzzles, Models & Toys | 0 | 0.00 | -93.88 |
| 159 | Primary Cells & Batteries | 0 | 0.00 | -97.96 |
| 160 | Paper Labels | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 161 | Knitted Made-Up Clothing Accessories | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 162 | Prepared Glues & Adhesives | 0 | 0.00 | -99.85 |
| 163 | Refrigerators & Freezers | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
