Domestic exports show positive growth in January 2026

By Aaron Humes: In a promising start to the year, domestic exports for January 2026 surged to $19.5 million, marking a 12.7 percent increase, or $2.2 million, compared to the same month in the previous year.

The banana industry played a crucial role in this upswing as earnings from banana sales rose by $1.7 million, elevating them from $6.1 million in January 2025 to an impressive $7.8 million in 2026. This robust performance reflects the industry's resilience and growing demand in international markets.

Additionally, the sales of pepper sauces doubled, jumping from $0.4 million to $1.1 million, while revenues from black-eyed peas also experienced a slight rise, climbing from $0.07 million to $0.3 million.

However, the marine products industry faced challenges, as exports fell from $3.9 million in January 2025 to $3.6 million in 2026, attributable to a notable decline in lobster product sales. Similarly, sugar exports decreased by $0.2 million, dropping from $1.3 million to $1.1 million.

A notable surge in banana and sugar sales to the 'Other European Union' market contributed to a hefty $2.8 million increase in revenue from this region, climbing from $2.1 million in January 2025 to $4.9 million in January 2026. In the United States, exports -- primarily of conch and pepper sauces -- also improved, leading to an additional $0.8 million in earnings, up from $3.5 million to $4.4 million.

Conversely, CARICOM countries saw a decline in sugar exports, resulting in reduced revenue from $4.3 million last January to $3.8 million this year. Earnings from 'Other Countries' also fell by $0.4 million, primarily due to lower lobster product sales. The United Kingdom experienced a contraction in revenue as well, decreasing from $4.0 million in January 2025 to $3.6 million, driven by reduced banana exports.