Merchandise Imports continued an upward trend in 2019

The total value of the Islands’ importation of goods stood at $1,183.3 million, recording an increase of 13.5 percent for 2019. This growth resulted from increases in both non-petroleum as well as petroleum-related imports.

Non-petroleum imports amounted to $1,042.5 million, an increase of 14.6 percent. Growth occurred in all categories, especially commodities and transactions not elsewhere classified such as non-monetary gold, machinery and transport equipment such as electrical and industrial machinery and road vehicles. Additionally, miscellaneous manufactured articles imports, such as prefabricated buildings, furniture and parts as well as professional, scientific and controlling instruments and apparatus also recorded increases. Importation of manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials moved up 9.1 percent, which reflected higher imports of non-metallic mineral manufactures like cement as well as cork and wood manufactures, iron and steel and paper products. The 3.6 percent growth in food imports emanated from the increase in vegetables and fruit, meat and meat preparations and cereal.

Petroleum and petroleum-related imports recorded an increase of 5.8 percent to reach $140.9 million. This increase was driven by higher quantities of fuel imported, especially diesel and motor fuel as there was a reduction in the average price of fuel imported in 2019.

More information on the “The Cayman Islands’ Annual Foreign Trade Statistics Report 2019,” are available at www.eso.ky.