Promote:
Export from the Bahamas
A short guide for companies selling from the Bahamas: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What the Bahamas sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$944.3 million
The Bahamas reported merchandise exports of US$944,326,568 in 2024 to UN Comtrade (flow X, which includes re-exports).
Source: UN Comtrade, Bahamas exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Services exports
US$5.9 billion
Services exports were US$5,896.98 million in 2024, in the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data on UNCTADstat.
Source: UNCTADstat, trade in services by category, Bahamas, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Top goods exports
2024
- 1. Refined petroleum oils (HS 2710)US$361.6 million
- 2. Stamps, banknotes and security printing (HS 4907)US$106.2 million
- 3. Crustaceans, such as crawfish (HS 0306)US$94.9 million
- 4. Yachts and pleasure boats (HS 8903)US$84.6 million
- 5. Polystyrene in primary forms (HS 3903)US$56.4 million
- 6. Pearl and gemstone articles (HS 7116)US$39 million
- 7. Salt (HS 2501)US$28 million
- 8. Amide chemicals (HS 2924)US$15.5 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Cinematographic cameras and projectors (HS 9007)US$15.2 million
- 10. Festive and carnival articles (HS 9505)US$12.9 million
- 11. Sports and gymnastics equipment (HS 9506)US$6.88 million
- 12. Iron and steel tanks, drums and cans (HS 7310)US$6.32 million
- 13. Hand tools (HS 8205)US$6.29 million
- 14. Plastic articles (HS 3926)US$5.69 million
- 15. Tugs and pusher craft (HS 8904)US$4.75 million
- 16. Saturated acid chemicals (HS 2915)US$4.66 million
- 17. Nitrogen-ring chemicals (HS 2933)US$4.03 million
- 18. Aluminum articles (HS 7616)US$3.87 million
- 19. Machinery parts (HS 8487)US$2.93 million
- 20. Iron and steel gas containers (HS 7311)US$2.7 million
- Flow X includes re-exports: US$761.8 million of the US$944.3 million total in 2024, or 80.7 percent. Check whether a line is made in the Bahamas before you list it. Source (opens in a new tab)
- The Central Bank's 2024 table gives non-oil exports of B$602.1 million and oil exports of B$86.9 million on a national basis; do not compare its shares with Comtrade's. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Ten top-30 lines, including pearl articles, festive articles, hand tools and steel structures, were all or almost all re-exports in 2024; crawfish is the main non-extractive line made locally. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Bahamas exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Where the goods go
2024, share of goods exports
- United States48.7%
- Ireland2.1%
- Costa Rica0.5%
- France0.5%
- India0.4%
- Belgium0.2%
- Netherlands0.1%
- Germany0.1%
- Areas, not elsewhere specified (Comtrade partner 899) are 46.9 percent of 2024 exports; they are in the total but not ranked. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Bahamas exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
- Re-exports are 80.7 percent of 2024 flow X. Of the 11 suggested goods, only crawfish is mainly made locally; each other line's note gives its re-export share. Source (opens in a new tab)
2. What to look into next
Our reading
Extractive lines (refined petroleum oils and salt) make up about 41% of the Bahamas’s goods exports, so the totals mostly describe that trade. For another product, look at demand for your own line, market by market.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Bahamas exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Bahamas exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports and goods exports
The research marks crustaceans, such as crawfish, pearl and gemstone articles and festive and carnival articles as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only the Bahamas’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Bahamas exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Crustaceans, such as crawfish grew 41% from 2023 to 2024; iron and steel tanks, drums and cans grew 34% from 2023 to 2024. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Bahamas exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
The United States takes 48.7% of the Bahamas’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: UN Comtrade, Bahamas exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
CARICOM
A seller in the Bahamas is in a CARICOM member state, but the Bahamas does not apply the Common External Tariff or join the single market.
Membership alone is not a trade preference; check the importing state's treatment of Bahamian goods before you ship.
Source: Bahamas Trade Info Portal, CARICOM trade council (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
A seller in the Bahamas does not get single market rights in other CARICOM states on that basis.
Check the importing CARICOM state's treatment of Bahamian goods before you ship.
Source: Bahamas Trade Info Portal, CARICOM trade council (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement
A seller can ship eligible Bahamian goods to the European Union at preferential rates with a EUR.1 certificate or an origin declaration.
The Bahamas signed in October 2008 but has not ratified; rules of origin apply.
Source: Bahamas Trade Info Portal, Economic Partnership Agreement (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARIFORUM-United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement
A seller can ship eligible Bahamian goods to the United Kingdom under the agreement, which GOV.UK says is in effect.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: GOV.UK, trade with the CARIFORUM states (opens in a new tab) · as of January 1, 2022
Show 3 more agreements
CBERA
A seller can export eligible goods to the United States duty-free under CBERA, which lists the Bahamas among 17 beneficiaries.
Check whether the Section 301 duty in force from July 24, 2026 applies to your goods before you claim CBERA.
Source: USTR, Caribbean Basin Initiative beneficiaries (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CBTPA
A seller cannot claim CBTPA treatment, because the Bahamas is not among its eight beneficiaries.
The CBTPA is scheduled to expire on September 30, 2030.
Source: USTR, Caribbean Basin Initiative beneficiaries (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARIBCAN
A seller can export eligible goods to Canada under the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff, which Canada's 2026 tariff list grants the Bahamas.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: Canada Border Services Agency, Customs Tariff country list, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 1, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from the Bahamas
- Register online for a tax identification number and VAT; goods exported to customers abroad are zero-rated or exempt.Department of Inland RevenueOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Department of Inland Revenue, about VAT (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Register on the Click2Clear electronic single window, which asks for a tax registration certificate, a compliance certificate and a current business license.The Bahamas Customs DepartmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Bahamas Customs Department, Click2Clear single window (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Check whether your goods are restricted or prohibited for export; Customs names copper as a restricted export.The Bahamas Customs DepartmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Bahamas Customs Department, general customs procedures (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For seafood or endangered species such as conch, write to the Ministry to request an export license and a health inspection for each shipment.The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine ResourcesOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Bahamas Trade Info Portal, export procedures (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 5 more export steps
- For plants and plant products, ask the food safety authority about plant health certificates; the Customs site links the national ePhyto portal.Bahamas Agricultural Health & Food Safety AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Bahamas Customs Department, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Ask the national standards body whether a standard or conformity assessment applies to your product before you ship.The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and QualityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Apply to Customs for a certificate of origin; for exports to the European Union under the EPA, Customs stamps the EUR.1 form.The Bahamas Customs Department1 percent royalty and processing fee on wholly obtained goods, minimum $10, maximum $500Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Bahamas Trade Info Portal, certificate of origin (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Complete the export entry for domestic goods (form C29) and present it to Customs, whose agent stamps it and witnesses the sealing of the container.The Bahamas Customs DepartmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Bahamas Trade Info Portal, export procedures (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Ask about concessions for registered manufacturers, such as exemptions under the Industries Encouragement Act, through the permit and concession module.Ministry of Economic AffairsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Bahamas Customs Department, permit and concession types (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with Bahamas Customs. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Research markets
National statistics office
BNSI
Bahamas National Statistical Institute
Runs the national census and publishes official statistics.
Visit BNSI (opens in a new tab)Source: Bahamas National Statistical Institute, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Regional trade promotion agency
Caribbean Export
Caribbean Export Development Agency
Regional body
Supports private sector companies in the Caribbean with trade and investment promotion.
Visit Caribbean Export (opens in a new tab)Source: Caribbean Export Development Agency, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs administration
Bahamas Customs
The Bahamas Customs Department
Handles export entries and certificate of origin requests, and runs the Click2Clear electronic single window.
Visit Bahamas Customs (opens in a new tab)Source: Bahamas Customs Department, general customs procedures (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Tax and business license authority
Inland Revenue
Department of Inland Revenue
Registers businesses for VAT and tax identification numbers and issues business licenses.
Visit Inland Revenue (opens in a new tab)Source: Department of Inland Revenue, applying for a business license (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
BBSQ
The Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality
Prepares national standards and runs certification and conformity assessment for goods and services.
Visit BBSQ (opens in a new tab)Source: Bahamas Bureau of Standards and Quality, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Food safety authority
BAHFSA
Bahamas Agricultural Health & Food Safety Authority
Runs an ePermitting system for its permits, and the Customs site explains how traders register for it.
Visit BAHFSA (opens in a new tab)Source: Bahamas Customs, food safety ePermitting registration, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 3, 2025
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Agriculture and fisheries ministry
Agriculture and Marine Resources
The Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources
Issues export licenses and inspection and health certificates for seafood and endangered species such as conch.
Visit Agriculture and Marine Resources (opens in a new tab)Source: Bahamas Trade Info Portal, export procedures (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Chamber of commerce
BCCEC
The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers' Confederation
Represents the business community and runs the Bahamas Trade Information Portal with the government.
Visit BCCEC (opens in a new tab)Source: Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
United States tariffs
A Section 301 duty of 12.5 percent applies to products of the Bahamas entered from July 24, 2026, with exemptions listed in the notice annexes.
What to do: Check the notice annexes, and USTR for any later change, before you quote a buyer.
Sources: USTR, Section 301 forced labor notice, July 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab); CBP, Section 301 forced labor duties guidance, July 23, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Re-export share
Re-exports were 80.7 percent of 2024 goods exports reported to UN Comtrade, so export values include goods not made in the Bahamas.
What to do: Confirm that a product line is made in the Bahamas before you rely on its export value.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Bahamas re-exports total, 2024 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Bahamas exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Public debt and arrears
Central government debt was about 74 percent of GDP in 2025, and meeting the 50 percent target by fiscal year 2030/31 will need additional measures, the IMF says.
What to do: Watch Customs and Inland Revenue notices for tax and fee changes before you price long contracts.
Source: IMF, Bahamas 2025 Article IV staff report, February 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Climate and water
The IMF says the Bahamas remains vulnerable to hurricanes and other natural disasters, and it calls for disaster risk management and climate resilience.
What to do: Check insurance cover and storm protection for stock, equipment and sites before you commit.
Sources: IMF, Bahamas 2025 Article IV consultation, February 2026 (opens in a new tab); IMF, Bahamas 2025 Article IV staff report, February 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Bahamas project.
Use Promote:Global to explore markets, understand requirements and organize your next steps.
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Promote:Bahamas is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 30, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.