The Caribbean is more than just sun-soaked beaches and cultural celebrations; it's a region rich in resources, creativity, and production capacity. Within the CARICOM single market, trade between member states and exports beyond the region have quietly created a complex, high-value network of commerce. But who’s leading the charge, and what do they bring to the table?

In this deep-dive, we explore the Top 10 CARICOM member states ranked by export power, the specific goods they dominate in, and where those goods are heading. Whether you’re a buyer, supplier, investor, or policymaker, this guide is your gateway to smarter trading in the Caribbean.

1. Trinidad & Tobago: The Energy Titan

Top Exports: Petroleum, LNG, Ammonia, MethanolPrimary Export Markets: United States, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Barbados
Trinidad leads CARICOM in total export value, largely due to its robust petroleum and petrochemical sector. Energy-related products account for over 85% of its exports.

2. Guyana: Agriculture & Minerals on the Rise

Top Exports: Gold, Rice, Bauxite, Sugar, Crude Oil (recent addition)Primary Export Markets: USA, Canada, Jamaica, Barbados
Guyana’s newly discovered oil reserves are making headlines, but its traditional strengths in gold and rice keep its economy stable.

3. Jamaica: Diversified & Dynamic

Top Exports: Alumina, Bauxite, Coffee, Rum, YamsPrimary Export Markets: USA, Canada, UK, CARICOM states
Jamaica combines mining, agriculture, and processed goods into a rich export profile.

4. Suriname: Metals and Agriculture

Top Exports: Gold, Alumina, Bananas, Timber, RicePrimary Export Markets: Belgium, France, USA, Trinidad & Tobago
Suriname is a strong exporter of gold and agricultural products. It trades heavily with both CARICOM and European nations.

5. Barbados: The Value-Added Hub

Top Exports: Rum, Pharmaceuticals, Electronic Components, SugarPrimary Export Markets: USA, UK, Guyana, Trinidad
Though smaller in size, Barbados excels in niche, high-value goods.

6. Saint Lucia: Services & Specialty Goods

Top Exports: Beverages, Banana Products, Processed Foods, CosmeticsPrimary Export Markets: United Kingdom, Trinidad, Barbados
Saint Lucia’s export economy is shifting toward processed and cosmetic goods.

7. Belize: Nature’s Producer

Top Exports: Sugar, Citrus, Crustaceans, Papaya, CocoaPrimary Export Markets: USA, UK, Jamaica, Guatemala
Belize’s agribusiness exports have remained stable, and seafood is growing fast.

8. The Bahamas: Offshore & Organic

Top Exports: Crawfish, Rock Lobster, Salt, Industrial SandPrimary Export Markets: USA, Europe, CARICOM
The Bahamas has limited goods exports but excels in high-value seafood.

9. Dominica: Specialty Agriculture

Top Exports: Bay Oil, Herbal Remedies, Fresh ProducePrimary Export Markets: Guadeloupe, France, CARICOM
Dominica’s niche is in natural and holistic health-related products.

10. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Quality Over Quantity

Top Exports: Arrowroot Flour, Fruits, Root Crops, Sea MossPrimary Export Markets: Trinidad, Barbados, UK, USA
An emerging exporter of sea moss and organic products.

⚖️ Regional Matchmaking Opportunities

Using this export data, we can identify areas where intra-CARICOM trade can be intensified:

  • Jamaica needs more rice and could increase imports from Guyana or Suriname.

  • Saint Lucia’s packaging industry can benefit from raw glass or plastics from Trinidad.

  • Barbados imports gold for crafting—Guyana and Suriname are ready suppliers.

  • Belize and Saint Vincent’s cocoa can be transformed into luxury goods in Barbados and exported to the U.S.

🔍 Conclusion

If CARICOM is to fully realize its vision of a single economic space, this kind of targeted matchmaking is key. Exporters, importers, and policy architects must look beyond borders and focus on the real-time trade data and complementary economic advantages available in the region.

Stay tuned for our next piece:"Import Needs of Small Island States in CARICOM: A $2B Opportunity for Regional Suppliers".

✅ Are you a Caribbean exporter? Get listed on CaricomMarket.net today and start matching with verified buyers across the region and beyond!

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