Belize reports rising food prices and increased export earnings

In September 2026, Belize experienced a 4.3 percent increase in the prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages compared to the previous year, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB). The food sub-category rose by 4.6 percent, driven by significant price hikes in sugar (18.0 percent), fruit (10.6 percent), poultry (5.9 percent), and vegetables (5.0 percent). Ground beef and chicken prices also saw double-digit increases of 11.8 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively.

Despite rising domestic costs, Belize’s merchandise exports grew by 31.7 percent in September 2026, reaching $47.9 million. This growth was largely fueled by sugar exports, which rose from $3.8 million in September 2025 to $20.7 million in the same month of 2026. Molasses earnings also saw an increase, rising to $300,000.

Conversely, the country’s import spending declined by 3.8 percent to $241.8 million. This reduction was primarily due to lower imports of machinery, transport equipment, and goods for Commercial Free Zones, though the decline was partially offset by higher spending on mineral fuels and lubricants.