Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Major Exports
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, an island nation in the Caribbean, has a small but diversified export economy. While the country is known for its rich natural resources and agricultural products, it has also seen growth in manufacturing and services. Agriculture, especially bananas, is a major contributor to its export sector, but the nation also exports a variety of other commodities such as seafood, vegetables, and beverages. The total export value of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is estimated to be around $200 million annually.
1. Bananas
Overview of Banana Exports
Bananas are by far the most significant export of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, representing a large portion of the country’s agricultural output. The tropical climate and fertile volcanic soil are ideal for banana cultivation. Historically, the country has enjoyed preferential access to European markets, particularly under agreements with the European Union, which has helped bolster the banana trade.
- Banana Export Value: Bananas contribute approximately $40 million annually to the nation’s export revenues.
- Key Products: Fresh bananas, typically packaged in crates for shipping.
Key Markets for Banana Exports
- United Kingdom: The UK remains the largest importer of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ bananas, benefiting from long-standing trade ties.
- European Union: Other EU countries also import a significant quantity of bananas, especially under the bloc’s trade agreements.
- Caribbean Region: Neighboring Caribbean nations import bananas for local consumption, though the primary export market remains Europe.
2. Agricultural Products
Overview of Agricultural Exports
In addition to bananas, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines produces and exports a variety of other agricultural goods. These include root crops, vegetables, and tropical fruits such as coconuts, mangoes, and papayas. The country also grows crops like yams, sweet potatoes, and cassava, which are in demand regionally.
- Agricultural Export Value: Other agricultural products, including root crops and tropical fruits, contribute about $30 million annually to the country’s export earnings.
- Key Products: Yams, sweet potatoes, cassava, coconuts, and tropical fruits.
Key Markets for Agricultural Exports
- Caribbean Islands: Regional markets within the Caribbean are significant consumers of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ agricultural products.
- United States: Some specialty products, such as tropical fruits, are exported to the U.S. for both the local market and the Caribbean diaspora.
- Europe: Although smaller than the banana market, certain tropical fruits and vegetables also find their way into European markets.
3. Fish and Seafood
Overview of Fish and Seafood Exports
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a vibrant fishing industry, benefitting from the rich marine resources of the Caribbean Sea. The country exports various seafood products, including tuna, lobster, conch, and other fish. Fishing is especially important to coastal communities, providing both local food and export opportunities.
- Fish and Seafood Export Value: Fish and seafood exports contribute approximately $15 million annually to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ economy.
- Key Products: Tuna, snapper, lobster, conch, and other shellfish.
Key Markets for Fish and Seafood Exports
- United States: The U.S. is a key importer of seafood from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, particularly tuna and lobster.
- Europe: Some European markets, particularly in the Mediterranean region, import seafood products from the Caribbean nation.
- Caribbean Region: Neighboring countries in the Caribbean are significant consumers of fresh fish, lobsters, and conch.
4. Rum and Beverages
Overview of Rum Exports
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is known for its rum production, which has a long history rooted in the country’s sugarcane industry. Local rum is produced in various forms, including white, dark, and spiced varieties. As tourism grows, local rum has gained international attention, with brands being exported to a variety of markets.
- Rum Export Value: Rum and other alcoholic beverages contribute around $10 million annually to the nation’s exports.
- Key Products: White rum, dark rum, spiced rum, and flavored rums.
Key Markets for Rum Exports
- United States: The U.S. is a significant market for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ rum, particularly in the Caribbean-American communities.
- United Kingdom: The UK is another major importer, where Caribbean rum enjoys a strong market presence.
- Canada: Canada, with a growing demand for rum and other tropical beverages, is also an important market for Saint Vincent’s rum exports.
5. Medical and Pharmaceutical Products
Overview of Pharmaceutical Exports
While the pharmaceutical sector in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is relatively small, the country exports a variety of medical and pharmaceutical products. These include over-the-counter medications, supplements, and health-related products. The demand for medical supplies in neighboring Caribbean islands and emerging markets is growing.
- Pharmaceutical Export Value: Medical and pharmaceutical exports contribute about $5 million annually to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ export revenues.
- Key Products: Over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, health supplements, and medical supplies.
Key Markets for Pharmaceutical Exports
- Caribbean Region: Other Caribbean islands, such as Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, and Grenada, are key destinations for pharmaceutical exports.
- Latin America: Some Latin American markets, particularly those near the Caribbean, are emerging consumers of health-related products.
- United States: The U.S. market imports some pharmaceutical products, particularly natural health supplements and organic medicines.
6. Minerals and Construction Materials
Overview of Mineral and Construction Exports
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has limited mineral resources but is known for its production of construction materials such as sand, gravel, and limestone. These materials are mainly used for local infrastructure development but are also exported to neighboring islands in the Caribbean.
- Mineral and Construction Export Value: Exports from the minerals and construction materials sector contribute around $4 million annually.
- Key Products: Sand, gravel, limestone, and other building materials.
Key Markets for Mineral and Construction Exports
- Caribbean Islands: Neighboring islands like Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Grenada import construction materials for infrastructure projects and local development.
- Suriname and Guyana: These countries in South America also import materials from Saint Vincent for use in construction and development projects.
7. Other Manufactured Goods
Overview of Manufactured Goods Exports
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines also exports a range of manufactured products, including clothing, handicrafts, and light industrial goods. The manufacturing sector is relatively small but contributes to the diversification of the country’s export base. Textiles, furniture, and locally produced food products are key items in this category.
- Manufactured Goods Export Value: Other manufactured products contribute around $6 million annually to the export economy.
- Key Products: Textiles, clothing, furniture, handicrafts, and processed food items.
Key Markets for Manufactured Goods
- United States: The U.S. is an important market for clothing, textiles, and handicrafts made in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
- Caribbean Region: Regional markets, especially other islands in the Caribbean, import various manufactured products, including food items and furniture.
- Europe: European markets, especially in the UK and France, are also receiving more products from the small manufacturing sector of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
8. Other Agricultural Products
Overview of Other Agricultural Exports
In addition to bananas and root crops, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines exports a variety of other agricultural products, including coffee, cocoa, and herbs. These products are often grown in small quantities but are valued for their quality and organic production methods.
- Other Agricultural Export Value: These products contribute approximately $3 million annually to the export economy.
- Key Products: Coffee, cocoa, herbs, and other specialty crops.
Key Markets for Other Agricultural Exports
- United States: The U.S. is a growing market for specialty agricultural products such as cocoa and organic herbs.
- Europe: European countries, particularly those with an interest in organic and fair-trade products, are key markets for Saint Vincent’s agricultural exports.
Top Products Exported by St. Vincent
Market Value: 460 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024
| Rank | Product | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) | Growth (% 5yr) |
| 1 | Yachts & Other Pleasure Vessels | 81,552 | 17.72 | 8.47 |
| 2 | Vessels For Transport | 17,936 | 3.90 | 40.91 |
| 3 | Tugs & Pusher Craft | 17,910 | 3.89 | 131.21 |
| 4 | Bananas | 15,938 | 3.46 | -35.58 |
| 5 | Cassava | 3,640 | 0.79 | 94.54 |
| 6 | Collectors Items of Botanic | 3,034 | 0.66 | 1,131.36 |
| 7 | Fishing Vessels | 2,350 | 0.51 | -67.32 |
| 8 | Soft Drinks | 1,697 | 0.37 | 60.32 |
| 9 | Frozen Fish | 1,329 | 0.29 | -88.21 |
| 10 | Wheat & Meslin Flour | 953 | 0.21 | -43.83 |
| 11 | Motor Vehicle Parts | 847 | 0.18 | 112.60 |
| 12 | Iron & Steel > 600 mm Wide – Clad | 717 | 0.16 | -4.98 |
| 13 | Animal Feed | 666 | 0.14 | 10.99 |
| 14 | Office Paper | 607 | 0.13 | 3.07 |
| 15 | Rice | 486 | 0.11 | -84.86 |
| 16 | Plastic Containers | 360 | 0.08 | 25.41 |
| 17 | Non Crude Oil | 299 | 0.07 | 2,799.43 |
| 18 | Aluminum Structures & Parts of | 221 | 0.05 | 9.24 |
| 19 | Precious & Semiprecious Stones | 221 | 0.05 | 7,523.51 |
| 20 | Fresh Vegetables | 218 | 0.05 | 2,058.08 |
| 21 | Ginger, Thyme & Spices | 193 | 0.04 | 72.11 |
| 22 | Flour & Meal | 186 | 0.04 | 39.13 |
| 23 | Shell Fish | 176 | 0.04 | -49.67 |
| 24 | New Pneumatic Tires | 152 | 0.03 | -3.91 |
| 25 | Semi Trucks & Tractors | 126 | 0.03 | 3,774.65 |
| 26 | Electric Motors & Generators | 122 | 0.03 | 6,406.09 |
| 27 | Dates | 118 | 0.03 | 39.79 |
| 28 | Plastic Household Articles | 99 | 0.02 | -2.09 |
| 29 | Plastic Sheets, Film & Plates | 89 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 30 | Fresh Fruit | 85 | 0.02 | 610.14 |
| 31 | Citrus Fruit | 78 | 0.02 | 333.03 |
| 32 | Coconuts | 77 | 0.02 | -42.28 |
| 33 | Nutmeg | 75 | 0.02 | -70.24 |
| 34 | Plastic Tubes | 57 | 0.01 | -19.57 |
| 35 | Aluminum Waste & Scrap | 53 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 36 | Nails | 53 | 0.01 | 116.57 |
| 37 | Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies | 51 | 0.01 | -88.96 |
| 38 | Insulated Wire & Cable | 45 | 0.01 | -0.66 |
| 39 | Articles of Iron & Steel | 35 | 0.01 | 787.58 |
| 40 | Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus | 35 | 0.01 | -67.65 |
| 41 | Food Preparations | 33 | 0.01 | 2,123.38 |
| 42 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits | 32 | 0.01 | 5.58 |
| 43 | Non Sweetened Waters | 32 | 0.01 | -32.20 |
| 44 | Wood Sawn > 6 mm | 31 | 0.01 | 110.04 |
| 45 | Screws, Bolts & Nuts | 31 | 0.01 | 30.51 |
| 46 | Bran | 30 | 0.01 | -83.33 |
| 47 | Trailers | 30 | 0.01 | -93.71 |
| 48 | Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts | 27 | 0.01 | 208.30 |
| 49 | Ferrous Waste & Scrap | 27 | 0.01 | 1,205.07 |
| 50 | Puzzles, Models & Toys | 26 | 0.01 | 37.87 |
| 51 | Hand Paintings & Drawings | 21 | 0.00 | -98.29 |
| 52 | Plastic Floor Cover & Wall Cover | 21 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 53 | Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts | 18 | 0.00 | -90.98 |
| 54 | Engine Parts | 18 | 0.00 | -89.22 |
| 55 | Fish Fillets | 17 | 0.00 | -66.31 |
| 56 | Knitted Mens & Boys Shirts | 15 | 0.00 | 466.32 |
| 57 | Computers, Printers & Storage Units | 15 | 0.00 | -85.31 |
| 58 | Pebbles | 15 | 0.00 | -1.28 |
| 59 | Iron & Steel < 600Mm Wide | 15 | 0.00 | 203.52 |
| 60 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits | 15 | 0.00 | 289.72 |
| 61 | Furniture & Parts | 14 | 0.00 | -95.16 |
| 62 | Glass Containers For Packing | 13 | 0.00 | 26.38 |
| 63 | Copper Waste & Scrap | 13 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 64 | Physical Exercise Equipment | 12 | 0.00 | 151.49 |
| 65 | Mechanical Machinery & Parts | 12 | 0.00 | 92.76 |
| 66 | Computer & Office Machines Parts | 11 | 0.00 | -35.72 |
| 67 | Knitted Womens & Girls Slips | 10 | 0.00 | 127.95 |
| 68 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts | 10 | 0.00 | -19.25 |
| 69 | Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 70 | Articles of Wood | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 71 | Lobsters & Crabs | 9 | 0.00 | 1,428.50 |
| 72 | Malt | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 73 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses | 8 | 0.00 | 881.90 |
| 74 | Compasses & Navigation Instruments | 7 | 0.00 | -89.14 |
| 75 | Electrical Switching Boards | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 76 | Television, Radio & Assessory Parts | 7 | 0.00 | -94.03 |
| 77 | Non-Adhesive Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film | 7 | 0.00 | -67.03 |
| 78 | Molluscs | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 79 | Perfumes & Toilet Waters | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 80 | Sheet Piling | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 81 | Books | 6 | 0.00 | -8.47 |
| 82 | Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers | 5 | 0.00 | -99.26 |
| 83 | Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 84 | Pasta | 5 | 0.00 | -95.61 |
| 85 | Beer | 5 | 0.00 | -88.79 |
| 86 | Vulcanized Rubber Plates | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 87 | Articles of Plastics | 4 | 0.00 | -87.01 |
| 88 | Knitted Sweaters | 4 | 0.00 | 60.78 |
| 89 | Fruit & Vegetable Juice | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 90 | Pictures & Photos | 4 | 0.00 | -42.52 |
| 91 | Ships Derricks & Cranes | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 92 | Articles of Cement | 4 | 0.00 | -58.63 |
| 93 | Hand Tools | 4 | 0.00 | -79.63 |
| 94 | Basketwork | 3 | 0.00 | 270.10 |
| 95 | Products of Plaiting Materials | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 96 | Non-Knit Track Suits | 3 | 0.00 | -62.13 |
| 97 | Seats & Parts | 3 | 0.00 | 168.82 |
| 98 | Air & Vacuum Pumps | 3 | 0.00 | -93.44 |
| 99 | Articles of Aluminum | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 100 | Frozen Vegetables | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 101 | Bread, Pastry & Cakes | 3 | 0.00 | -93.61 |
| 102 | Apricots | 3 | 0.00 | 6.41 |
| 103 | Shawls & Scarves | 3 | 0.00 | 10.92 |
| 104 | Diamonds | 3 | 0.00 | -98.22 |
| 105 | Floating Structures, Rafts & Buoys | 3 | 0.00 | 18.39 |
| 106 | Imitation Jewelry | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 107 | Stoppers & Caps | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 108 | Trucks | 2 | 0.00 | -95.88 |
| 109 | Filters & Centrifuges | 2 | 0.00 | -85.28 |
| 110 | Leather Apparel & Accessories | 2 | 0.00 | -2.44 |
| 111 | Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments | 2 | 0.00 | -80.82 |
| 112 | Watches | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 113 | Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods | 2 | 0.00 | -52.42 |
| 114 | Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts | 2 | 0.00 | -93.80 |
| 115 | Articles of Vulcanized Rubber | 2 | 0.00 | -88.13 |
| 116 | Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 117 | Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel | 2 | 0.00 | -81.49 |
| 118 | Fresh Fish | 2 | 0.00 | -99.86 |
| 119 | Photographic Chemicals | 2 | 0.00 | -12.25 |
| 120 | Diesel Engines | 2 | 0.00 | -96.75 |
| 121 | Air Conditioners | 2 | 0.00 | -95.86 |
| 122 | Locust Beans | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 123 | Art Paper | 2 | 0.00 | -97.71 |
| 124 | Aluminum Plates | 2 | 0.00 | -59.92 |
| 125 | Monument Stone Articles | 1 | 0.00 | 145.01 |
| 126 | Twine | 1 | 0.00 | -71.08 |
| 127 | Bed & Table Linen | 1 | 0.00 | 66.33 |
| 128 | Mattress Supports | 1 | 0.00 | 115.44 |
| 129 | Foods Prepared By Cereal Grain | 1 | 0.00 | 1.75 |
| 130 | Machinery For Sorting Screening Minerals | 1 | 0.00 | -8.90 |
| 131 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Overcoats | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 132 | Acrylic Polymers | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 133 | Bitumen Mixtures | 1 | 0.00 | 36.13 |
| 134 | Padlocks | 1 | 0.00 | -96.63 |
| 135 | Starches | 1 | 0.00 | -99.36 |
| 136 | Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows | 1 | 0.00 | -92.06 |
| 137 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Overcoats | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 138 | Candles | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 139 | Builders Ware of Plastics | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 140 | Photocopy Apparatus | 1 | 0.00 | -73.95 |
| 141 | Glaziers Putty & Caulking | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 142 | Festive & Entertainment Art | 1 | 0.00 | -73.89 |
| 143 | Percussion Instruments | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 144 | Stoves | 1 | 0.00 | -99.34 |
| 145 | Wood, Continuously Shaped (Tongued or Grooved | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 146 | Wood Marquetry | 1 | 0.00 | -73.21 |
| 147 | Electric Capacitors | 1 | 0.00 | -94.61 |
| 148 | Soups | 1 | 0.00 | 0.20 |
| 149 | Containers For Compressed & Liquid Gas | 0 | 0.00 | -96.07 |
| 150 | Knitted T-Shirts | 0 | 0.00 | -37.15 |
| 151 | Petroleum Coke | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 152 | Prepared Fruit | 0 | 0.00 | -98.79 |
| 153 | Washing Machines | 0 | 0.00 | -89.61 |
| 154 | Iron & Steel Cloth | 0 | 0.00 | -99.18 |
| 155 | Records & Tapes | 0 | 0.00 | -97.35 |
| 156 | Polishes & Creams For Leather | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 157 | Lamps & Lighting Fittings | 0 | 0.00 | -98.14 |
| 158 | Pumps For Liquids | 0 | 0.00 | -97.85 |
| 159 | Apples & Pears | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 160 | Seamed Hollow Tubes & Pipes | 0 | 0.00 | -61.04 |
| 161 | Other Animals | 0 | 0.00 | -78.61 |
| 162 | Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony | 0 | 0.00 | -98.69 |
| 163 | Malt Extract | 0 | 0.00 | -61.67 |
| 164 | Plastic Self-Adhesive Plates | 0 | 0.00 | -99.21 |
| 165 | Synthetic Coloring Matter | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 166 | Household Art & Parts | 0 | 0.00 | -99.67 |
| 167 | Plants For Pharmacy | 0 | 0.00 | -99.49 |
| 168 | Calendars | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 169 | Umbrellas | 0 | 0.00 | -81.87 |
| 170 | Seamless Iron & Steel Tubes & Pipes | 0 | 0.00 | -99.94 |
| 171 | Ceramic Tableware & Earthenware | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 172 | Notebooks & Business Forms | 0 | 0.00 | -74.55 |
| 173 | Demonstrational Instruments & Parts | 0 | 0.00 | -95.13 |
| 174 | Woven Fabric -Over 85% Synthetic > 170G/M2 | 0 | 0.00 | -99.72 |
| 175 | Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 176 | TV Receivers | 0 | 0.00 | -99.73 |
| 177 | Cereal Flours | 0 | 0.00 | -95.15 |
| 178 | Microphones | 0 | 0.00 | -93.46 |
| 179 | Brooms & Mops | 0 | 0.00 | -99.63 |
| 180 | Envelopes | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 181 | Knotted Net of Twine | 0 | 0.00 | -85.96 |
| 182 | Electric Water Heaters | 0 | 0.00 | -97.91 |
| 183 | Leguminous Vegetables | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 184 | Sanitary Ware & Parts | 0 | 0.00 | -99.12 |
| 185 | Ceramic Statuettes | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 186 | Fish Fats & Oils | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 187 | Knitted Garments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 188 | Iron & Steel Bars & Rods – HR | 0 | 0.00 | -99.98 |
| 189 | Iron & Steel < 600Mm Wide | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 190 | Clocks | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 191 | Felt | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 192 | Electrical Resistors | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 193 | Electromech Domestic Appliances | 0 | 0.00 | -99.62 |
| 194 | Glass Mirrors | 0 | 0.00 | -99.38 |
| 195 | Tableware of Base Metal | 0 | 0.00 | -99.91 |
| 196 | Plastic Baths & Toilet Seats | 0 | 0.00 | -99.79 |
| 197 | Vacuum Flasks & Vessels | 0 | 0.00 | -99.98 |