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Saint Lucia Major Exports

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Saint Lucia, an island nation in the Caribbean, has a small but diversified export economy. While the country’s export value is modest compared to larger economies, it plays an essential role in supporting its national income. The country’s major exports include agricultural products, mineral resources, and manufactured goods. With a focus on high-value sectors such as tourism and financial services, Saint Lucia also benefits from exports related to these industries. Agriculture, particularly bananas and other tropical fruits, remains a cornerstone of the island’s export base.

1. Bananas

Overview of Banana Exports

Bananas have long been the dominant agricultural export of Saint Lucia. The country’s favorable climate and fertile soil make it an ideal location for banana cultivation. Bananas account for a significant portion of Saint Lucia’s agricultural output and contribute considerably to the island’s export earnings. The island is known for its high-quality bananas, which are primarily exported to European markets.

  • Banana Export Value: Bananas contribute around $30 million annually to Saint Lucia’s total export revenue.
  • Key Products: The bulk of banana exports consists of fresh bananas, often packed in specialized crates for transport to international markets.

Key Markets for Banana Exports

  • United Kingdom: The UK is the largest importer of Saint Lucia’s bananas, especially through its preferential trade agreements with the European Union.
  • France: France is another key market, receiving a significant portion of the island’s banana exports through the EU’s trade channels.
  • Other European Union Countries: Countries like the Netherlands and Germany also import smaller quantities of bananas from Saint Lucia.

2. Other Agricultural Products

Overview of Agricultural Exports

In addition to bananas, Saint Lucia produces and exports a variety of other agricultural products. These include coconuts, cocoa, vegetables, and spices. Cocoa, in particular, is gaining prominence as an export commodity, with an increasing interest in organic and fair-trade products. The island’s temperate climate allows for the cultivation of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapples, and papayas, which also contribute to its export economy.

  • Agricultural Export Value: Other agricultural products, including cocoa and coconuts, contribute around $15 million to the country’s export earnings.
  • Key Products: Cocoa beans, fresh vegetables, coconuts, spices (e.g., nutmeg, ginger), and tropical fruits.

Key Markets for Agricultural Exports

  • United States: The U.S. imports a variety of agricultural products from Saint Lucia, particularly tropical fruits and cocoa.
  • Caribbean Region: Regional markets, especially nearby islands like Trinidad and Tobago, import vegetables and other fresh produce.
  • European Union: The EU remains an important partner, importing cocoa, spices, and tropical fruits, especially under trade agreements.

3. Mineral Products

Overview of Mineral Exports

Saint Lucia has limited mineral resources but has made strides in extracting and exporting materials like sand, limestone, and clay. These materials are used for local infrastructure development, and some are exported to neighboring countries for use in construction and other industries.

  • Mineral Export Value: Mineral products contribute around $5 million annually to Saint Lucia’s export sector.
  • Key Products: Sand, limestone, and clay are the primary minerals extracted and exported by the island.

Key Markets for Mineral Exports

  • Caribbean Countries: Neighboring islands in the Caribbean region, such as Barbados and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, import Saint Lucia’s sand and limestone for construction projects.
  • Other Regional Markets: Some mineral exports are directed to countries like Guyana and Suriname, which require raw materials for infrastructural development.

4. Manufactured Goods

Overview of Manufactured Exports

Saint Lucia has a relatively small manufacturing sector compared to other Caribbean nations, but it exports a range of products, particularly in the food processing and light manufacturing industries. Products such as processed foods, beverages, and toiletries are produced domestically and exported to regional and international markets. Additionally, Saint Lucia’s export of textiles, clothing, and small electronics is growing, albeit on a smaller scale.

  • Manufactured Goods Export Value: Manufactured goods contribute approximately $8 million annually to Saint Lucia’s export revenue.
  • Key Products: Processed foods (including canned fruits), beverages (especially rum and juices), toiletries, and clothing.

Key Markets for Manufactured Exports

  • Caribbean Region: Neighboring Caribbean countries are significant importers of manufactured goods from Saint Lucia, particularly in the food and beverage sectors.
  • United States: The U.S. receives a variety of processed foods, including canned fruits, sauces, and beverages, as well as rum products from Saint Lucia.
  • Europe: The European market is a growing destination for some of the island’s processed products, including rum and agricultural-based food products.

5. Tourism-Related Exports

Overview of Tourism-Related Exports

Although tourism is primarily a service industry, it contributes significantly to the export economy of Saint Lucia. As one of the leading tourist destinations in the Caribbean, the island’s tourism-related exports are valued in the form of travel services, hospitality, and leisure-related products. Visitors from around the world contribute to the economy through spending on accommodations, food, tours, and recreational activities.

  • Tourism-Related Export Value: Tourism-related services are estimated to contribute over $500 million annually, accounting for a substantial portion of Saint Lucia’s GDP.
  • Key Products: Travel services, hotel accommodations, recreational activities, and transportation services.

Key Markets for Tourism-Related Exports

  • United States: The U.S. is the largest source of visitors to Saint Lucia, with American tourists contributing significantly to the island’s tourism revenue.
  • United Kingdom: British tourists also form a large share of international visitors, attracted by the island’s scenic beauty and luxury resorts.
  • Canada: Canada is another important market for tourism, with many visitors coming to Saint Lucia for winter holidays.

6. Fish and Seafood

Overview of Fish and Seafood Exports

Fishing plays a modest but important role in Saint Lucia’s economy, with the country’s coastal waters providing an abundant source of fish and seafood. Tuna, snapper, and other types of fish, along with shellfish like lobsters and shrimp, are commonly harvested and exported. Saint Lucia’s proximity to deep-sea fishing grounds allows it to export high-quality seafood products to international markets.

  • Fish and Seafood Export Value: Fish and seafood exports contribute around $4 million annually to Saint Lucia’s economy.
  • Key Products: Fresh and frozen tuna, snapper, lobster, shrimp, and other shellfish.

Key Markets for Fish and Seafood Exports

  • United States: The U.S. is a significant importer of Saint Lucia’s fish and seafood, particularly in markets like Florida and the southeastern U.S.
  • European Union: The EU is a major market for seafood from Saint Lucia, especially in countries like France and the United Kingdom.
  • Caribbean Islands: Nearby Caribbean nations import seafood from Saint Lucia, particularly for local consumption and tourism markets.

7. Rum

Overview of Rum Exports

Saint Lucia is known for its high-quality rum production, with several distilleries producing both premium and flavored varieties. The island’s rum industry has been expanding, and its products are gaining recognition internationally for their rich flavor and traditional distillation methods.

  • Rum Export Value: Rum exports contribute around $2 million annually to Saint Lucia’s export revenues.
  • Key Products: Light rum, dark rum, spiced rum, and flavored rums.

Key Markets for Rum Exports

  • United States: The U.S. is the largest market for Saint Lucia’s rum, particularly in the Caribbean-American community and through larger retailers.
  • Europe: European countries, especially the UK and France, import premium rums for both direct consumption and use in the hospitality sector.
  • Caribbean: Regional markets in the Caribbean import Saint Lucia’s rum for local consumption and tourism-related activities.

Top Products Exported by St. Lucia

Top Products Exported by St. Lucia

Market Value: 377 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024

Rank Product Trade Value (thousands) Share (%) Growth (% 5yr)
1 Non Crude Oil 84,218 22.33 516,291.94
2 Bananas 30,412 8.06 -8.86
3 Beer 6,867 1.82 -3.69
4 Hydrometers & Thermometers 5,360 1.42 43,943.08
5 Office Paper 4,915 1.30 22.56
6 Pharmaceutical Articles of Rubber 3,594 0.95 0.00
7 Television, Radio & Assessory Parts 3,114 0.83 -35.56
8 Electrical Resistors 2,073 0.55 -46.90
9 Soft Drinks 1,120 0.30 40.11
10 Beauty & Make-up Perparations 1,021 0.27 3,704.18
11 Insulated Wire & Cable 692 0.18 163.98
12 Alcoholic Beverages 662 0.18 -28.94
13 Articles of Cutlery 601 0.16 0.00
14 Fresh Vegetables 593 0.16 -56.20
15 Prepared Glues & Adhesives 529 0.14 105.42
16 Personal Toilet Preparations 457 0.12 24,431.40
17 Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts 439 0.12 28.36
18 Organic Surface-Active Agents 431 0.11 5,820.34
19 Mechanical Machinery & Parts 430 0.11 0.00
20 Pebbles 377 0.10 0.00
21 Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies 364 0.10 -18.83
22 Articles of Plastics 337 0.09 252.99
23 Plastic Self-Adhesive Plates 253 0.07 0.00
24 Sauces & Condiments 243 0.06 17.21
25 Animal Feed 213 0.06 0.00
26 Mattress Supports 205 0.05 170.68
27 Plastic Sheets, Film & Plates 186 0.05 15,985.99
28 Gloves 181 0.05 -61.37
29 Water Heaters 165 0.04 -34.13
30 Fresh Fruit 162 0.04 1,566.83
31 Pasta 145 0.04 -24.06
32 Paints & Varnishes for Leather 140 0.04 135.85
33 Articles of Iron & Steel 134 0.04 2,745.71
34 Abrasive Powder 132 0.03 0.00
35 Medicines in Doses 128 0.03 -61.99
36 Knitted T-Shirts 120 0.03 -77.04
37 Furniture & Parts 113 0.03 18.17
38 Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials 111 0.03 2,393.25
39 Art Paper 108 0.03 1,307.56
40 Copper Waste & Scrap 106 0.03 67.48
41 Knitted Garments 98 0.03 23.95
42 Yachts & Other Pleasure Vessels 94 0.02 -76.50
43 Melons & Papayas 88 0.02 0.00
44 Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments 82 0.02 1,689.77
45 Aluminum Structures & Parts of 72 0.02 0.00
46 Instruments for Measure & Check Flow 69 0.02 2,184.50
47 Transister & Semiconductor Devices 67 0.02 0.00
48 Electronic Integrated Circuits 66 0.02 1,816.49
49 Taps, Cocks & Valves 64 0.02 0.00
50 Non-Adhesive Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film 62 0.02 7,180.44
51 Articles of Aluminum 59 0.02 0.00
52 Plastic Containers 57 0.02 -63.99
53 Pictures & Photos 57 0.02 55.33
54 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits 53 0.01 -92.64
55 Newspapers 52 0.01 228.93
56 Motor Vehicle Parts 50 0.01 1,151.79
57 Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders 46 0.01 0.00
58 Aluminum Waste & Scrap 44 0.01 117.73
59 Dates 40 0.01 76.48
60 Cocoa 39 0.01 46.15
61 Hand Paintings & Drawings 38 0.01 -22.61
62 Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments 37 0.01 -1.33
63 Electric Ignition Equipment 35 0.01 0.00
64 Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts 35 0.01 0.00
65 Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus 34 0.01 28.98
66 Piston Engines 30 0.01 1,679.88
67 Tools For Working in the Hand 30 0.01 3,575.96
68 Sanitary & Toiletry Paper 29 0.01 -63.22
69 Ferrous Waste & Scrap 28 0.01 0.00
70 Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers 26 0.01 -98.61
71 Measuring or Checking Instruments 26 0.01 0.00
72 Yeasts 25 0.01 1,577.34
73 Revolution & Production Count Meters 24 0.01 0.00
74 Plastic Waste 24 0.01 0.00
75 Polyethers 23 0.01 0.00
76 Knitted Womens & Girls Blouses & Shirts 22 0.01 -96.29
77 Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments 22 0.01 -48.21
78 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits 22 0.01 -71.01
79 Glass Containers For Packing 22 0.01 63.87
80 Books 22 0.01 -29.70
81 Glaziers Putty & Caulking 21 0.01 -6.39
82 Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows 21 0.01 1,141.75
83 Insecticides 19 0.01 162.10
84 Fermented Beverages 19 0.00 -76.09
85 Fruit & Vegetable Juice 19 0.00 205.48
86 Sand Blasting Machines 19 0.00 0.00
87 Food Preparations 18 0.00 -30.48
88 Sugars 18 0.00 2,214.32
89 Filters & Centrifuges 17 0.00 1,123.34
90 Electric Motors & Generators 17 0.00 0.00
91 Computers, Printers & Storage Units 16 0.00 122.91
92 Casein 16 0.00 22.97
93 Articles of Cement 16 0.00 -32.88
94 Odoriferous Mixtures 16 0.00 241.55
95 Bread, Pastry & Cakes 14 0.00 -71.32
96 Printed Circuits 14 0.00 0.00
97 Pepper 13 0.00 -16.97
98 Photocopy Apparatus 13 0.00 98.84
99 Perfumes & Toilet Waters 12 0.00 -45.94
100 Parts of Electric Motors 12 0.00 17.74
101 Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel 11 0.00 0.00
102 Fishing Vessels 11 0.00 0.00
103 Battery Waste 11 0.00 0.00
104 Knitted Womens & Girls Suits 11 0.00 -98.46
105 Ginger, Thyme & Spices 11 0.00 6.40
106 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts 10 0.00 -86.46
107 Glassware For Table 10 0.00 93.96
108 Bed & Table Linen 9 0.00 -78.02
109 Coconuts 9 0.00 -52.49
110 Natural Sands 9 0.00 0.00
111 Tarps, Sails & Tents 9 0.00 -87.33
112 Waste of Paper & Paperboard 8 0.00 0.00
113 Citrus Fruit 8 0.00 -45.18
114 Notebooks & Business Forms 8 0.00 -32.67
115 Engine Parts 7 0.00 -34.68
116 Rolls of Toilet Paper 7 0.00 0.00
117 Air & Vacuum Pumps 7 0.00 -13.83
118 Brooms & Mops 6 0.00 65.36
119 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Overcoats 6 0.00 0.00
120 Synthetic Precious Stones 6 0.00 0.00
121 Computer & Office Machines Parts 6 0.00 -82.34
122 Gas, Water, Electric Meters 6 0.00 57.67
123 Articles of Wood 6 0.00 0.00
124 Paper Labels 6 0.00 133.69
125 Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis 5 0.00 -83.38
126 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses 5 0.00 -98.33
127 Printed Paper, In Rolls or Sheets 5 0.00 -62.07
128 Organic Composite Solvents & Thinners 5 0.00 11.52
129 Envelopes 5 0.00 0.00
130 Demonstrational Instruments & Parts 5 0.00 0.00
131 Survey Instruments 5 0.00 0.00
132 Passenger Vehicles 5 0.00 -94.56
133 Parts For Machine Tools 4 0.00 -93.53
134 Corrugated Paper in Rolls 4 0.00 0.00
135 Original Engravings 4 0.00 -6.63
136 Electrical Switching Boards 4 0.00 -49.02
137 Iron & Steel > 600 mm Wide – Clad 4 0.00 0.00
138 Dextrins 4 0.00 228.31
139 Machines For Testing Material 4 0.00 0.00
140 Electric Capacitors 4 0.00 0.00
141 Knitted Sweaters 4 0.00 -99.48
142 Mach For Making Up Pulp & Paper 4 0.00 0.00
143 Electromagnets 4 0.00 0.00
144 Articles of Vulcanized Rubber 3 0.00 0.00
145 Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods 3 0.00 -61.58
146 Washing Machines 3 0.00 -68.64
147 Pumps For Liquids 3 0.00 -80.81
148 Leguminous Vegetables 3 0.00 0.00
149 Parts For Machines & Instruments 3 0.00 -88.20
150 Optical Lenses & Fibers 3 0.00 0.00
151 New Pneumatic Tires 3 0.00 -82.30
152 Tea 3 0.00 -92.02
153 Candles 3 0.00 169.35
154 Interchange Hand & Machine Tools 2 0.00 0.00
155 Locust Beans 2 0.00 -77.77
156 Articles of Jewelry & Parts 2 0.00 0.00
157 Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts 2 0.00 194.29
158 Sgn Plts Nos a Symbols Except Bm 2 0.00 0.00
159 Food & Drink Preparation Machines 2 0.00 -63.63
160 Physical Exercise Equipment 2 0.00 0.00
161 Photographic Chemicals 2 0.00 -27.80
162 Calendars 2 0.00 0.00
163 Rubber Thred & Cord 2 0.00 -59.00
164 Postage & Revenue Stamps 2 0.00 76.13
165 Worn Clothing 2 0.00 162.94
166 Honey 2 0.00 0.00
167 Refrigerators & Freezers 1 0.00 -96.61
168 Switching Equipment, > 1000 V 1 0.00 0.00
169 Concentrated Milk & Cream 1 0.00 0.00
170 Composite Diagnostic & Lab Reagents 1 0.00 0.00
171 Dishwashing & Packaging Machines 1 0.00 132.14
172 Essent Oils Resinoid 1 0.00 20.36
173 Braids & Tassels 1 0.00 -99.62
174 Non-Knit Track Suits 1 0.00 -99.33
175 Wooden Frames, Paintings. 1 0.00 0.00
176 Tanks – < 300 Liter 1 0.00 -86.97
177 Lamps & Lighting Fittings 1 0.00 -54.83
178 Knitted Womens & Girls Slips 1 0.00 -96.98
179 Builders Ware of Plastics 1 0.00 -55.69
180 Records & Tapes 1 0.00 0.00
181 Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting 1 0.00 0.00
182 Iron & Steel < 600Mm Wide 1 0.00 71.89
183 Ink 1 0.00 0.00
184 Needles 1 0.00 0.00
185 Screws, Bolts & Nuts 1 0.00 0.00
186 Knit &Lace Hats 1 0.00 0.00
187 Printed & Illustrated Post Cards 1 0.00 -65.42
188 Jams & Jellies 1 0.00 -77.09
189 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Undershirts 1 0.00 -92.30
190 Checks & Stamps 1 0.00 0.00
191 Labels & Badges 1 0.00 0.00
192 Microphones 1 0.00 0.00
193 Knitted & Crocheted Fabrics 1 0.00 -84.72
194 Furnishing Articles of Textile Materials 1 0.00 -87.09
195 Safety Glass 1 0.00 -22.25
196 Hand Tools 1 0.00 -84.50
197 Percussion Instruments 1 0.00 0.00
198 Curtains & Interior Blinds 1 0.00 -95.02
199 Articles of Goldsmith & Silversmith Wares 1 0.00 0.00
200 Knitted Mens & Boys Suits 0 0.00 -99.63
201 Articles Of Yarn 0 0.00 -99.94
202 Vulcanized Rubber Tubes 0 0.00 -48.30
203 Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony 0 0.00 -89.43
204 Cloves 0 0.00 0.00
205 Diesel Engines 0 0.00 -66.97
206 Dried Vegetables 0 0.00 -50.71
207 Glazed Ceramic Flags & Paving 0 0.00 0.00
208 Leather Apparel & Accessories 0 0.00 0.00
209 Plastic Household Articles 0 0.00 -98.09
210 Wood Marquetry 0 0.00 -83.74
211 Extracts of Coffee 0 0.00 0.00
212 Seats & Parts 0 0.00 -99.60
213 Binders For Found Molds 0 0.00 -92.84
214 Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts 0 0.00 0.00
215 Knitted Mens & Boys Shirts 0 0.00 -98.38
216 Cinnamon & Cinnamon Tree Flowers 0 0.00 0.00
217 Electromech Domestic Appliances 0 0.00 0.00
218 Carpentry of Wood 0 0.00 -99.21
219 Misc Headgear 0 0.00 -87.18
220 Puzzles, Models & Toys 0 0.00 -99.79
221 Soap 0 0.00 0.00
222 Knitted Gloves 0 0.00 -99.06
223 Watches 0 0.00 0.00
224 Air Conditioners 0 0.00 -95.73
225 Misc Carpets 0 0.00 0.00
226 Stranded Wire 0 0.00 -95.70
227 Plants For Pharmacy 0 0.00 -98.34
228 Plastic Baths & Toilet Seats 0 0.00 0.00
229 Cut Flowers & Buds 0 0.00 0.00
230 Tube & Pipe Fittings 0 0.00 -83.78
231 Other Animals 0 0.00 0.00
232 Drawing Instruments 0 0.00 0.00
233 Bicycles 0 0.00 0.00
234 Bitumen Mixtures 0 0.00 -99.94
235 Cane Sugar 0 0.00 -92.74
236 Springs & Leaves For Springs 0 0.00 0.00
237 Engines & Motors 0 0.00 0.00
238 Seamed Hollow Tubes & Pipes 0 0.00 0.00
239 Video Recording Equipment 0 0.00 0.00
240 Plastic Tubes 0 0.00 0.00
241 Electric Water Heaters 0 0.00 -99.78
242 Hair Preparations 0 0.00 0.00
243 Knitted Track Suits 0 0.00 0.00
244 Bells & Ornaments 0 0.00 -95.73
245 Electrical Insulators of Any Material 0 0.00 0.00
246 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Slips 0 0.00 -99.87
247 Parts For Electric Equipment 0 0.00 -99.86
248 Pens & Mechanical Pencils 0 0.00 0.00
249 Umbrellas 0 0.00 0.00
250 Knitted Womens & Girls Overcoats 0 0.00 -100.00
251 Primary Cells & Batteries 0 0.00 0.00
252 Prepared Unrecorded Sound Media 0 0.00 0.00
253 Cheese & Curd 0 0.00 0.00

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