Merchandise imports decreased for the first quarter of 2026

The total value of the Islands’ importation of goods for the first quarter of 2026 stood at $436.47 million, a decrease of 8.6 percent compared to the corresponding quarter of 2025. This decline was mainly due to lower imports of non-petroleum products, which outweighed the increase in petroleum and petroleum-related imports.

Non-petroleum imports amounted to $381.02 million, a decline of 10.5 percent. Imports of Machinery and transport equipment fell by 18.2 percent due mainly to reduced purchases of road vehicles and electrical machinery and appliances. Food and live animals imports decreased by 12.7 percent due mainly to lower imports of miscellaneous edible products and preparations, dairy products and birds’ eggs, as well as meat and meat preparations. Manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials declined by 18.1 percent, reflecting lower imports of manufactures of metals, paper and paperboard products, non-metallic mineral manufactures, and iron and steel. Chemicals and related products declined by 15.6 percent, reflecting lower imports of plastics in non-primary forms, medicinal and pharmaceutical products, and essential oils. Finally, beverages and tobacco imports fell by 22.5 percent due to reduced imports of tobacco and tobacco manufactures, as well as the reduced importation of beverages.

In contrast, commodities and transactions not classified elsewhere increased by 60.8 percent due mainly to higher imports of non-monetary gold. Petroleum and petroleum-related imports increased by 6.9 percent to reach $55.46 million, largely reflecting higher volumes of fuel imports during the January to March 2026 quarter.

More information on “The Cayman Islands’ Quarterly Trade Statistics Bulletin: January to March 2026” are available at www.eso.ky.