Higher Banana Shipments Lift Belize’s Export Earnings From UK

Higher banana shipments helped lift Belize’s export earnings from the UK in September 2026, while reduced banana exports to the European Union contributed to a fall in revenues from that market.

Figures from the Statistical Institute of Belize, reported by FreshPlaza, show that domestic merchandise export earnings from the UK rose to approximately £2.07 million, compared with £1.22 million in September 2025.

The increase of around £852,000 was attributed to greater banana exports. However, earnings from the EU fell by approximately £778,000, dropping from £3.30 million to £2.52 million as banana exports to the bloc declined. These figures cover total domestic merchandise exports to each destination, rather than bananas alone.

Across all destinations, Belize’s banana export earnings edged down to approximately £3.22 million in September, from £3.30 million a year earlier.

The longer-term picture was more positive. Banana export earnings for January to September 2026 reached approximately £26.08 million, compared with £25.82 million during the corresponding period in 2025.

Overall domestic merchandise export earnings increased by 31.7% in September, reaching approximately £17.75 million, against £13.49 million a year earlier.

Sugar accounted for much of the growth, reflecting differences in shipment timing. Bulk sugar shipments were recorded in September 2026, whereas none were recorded in September 2025.

Export earnings from the United States consequently rose from approximately £1 million to £7 million, largely because of higher sugar exports.

Meanwhile, revenues from CARICOM countries fell from approximately £3.48 million to £2.30 million, mainly reflecting reduced orange concentrate exports.

Despite September’s overall increase, Belize’s domestic merchandise export earnings for the first nine months of 2026 were down 9.3% year on year, at approximately £118.81 million.

Sterling figures are approximate, using XE’s quoted rate on 3 November 2026 of BZ$1 = £0.370481. The same rate has been applied to both years for comparison.