Promote:
Export from Jamaica
A short guide for companies selling from Jamaica: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Jamaica sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$1.65 billion
Jamaica reported merchandise exports of US$1,652,185,897.59 in 2025 to UN Comtrade (flow X, which includes re-exports).
Source: UN Comtrade, Jamaica exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exports
US$5.06 billion
Services exports were US$5,057.67 million in 2025, in the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data on UNCTADstat.
Source: UNCTADstat, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC services exports, Jamaica, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Alumina (HS 2818)US$561.7 million
- 2. Refined petroleum products (HS 2710)US$416.4 million
- 3. Rum and other spirits (HS 2208)US$72.2 million
- 4. Bauxite (HS 2606)US$71.2 million
- 5. Sauces and seasonings (HS 2103)US$43.6 million
- 6. Bread, cakes and biscuits (HS 1905)US$40.1 million
- 7. Flavored wine (HS 2205)US$35.1 million
- 8. Soft drinks and flavored waters (HS 2202)US$35 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Yams and other root crops (HS 0714)US$30 million
- 10. Petroleum gases (HS 2711)US$29.9 million
- 11. Beer (HS 2203)US$26.6 million
- 12. Coffee (HS 0901)US$20.6 million
- 13. Prepared fruit and nuts (HS 2008)US$16.6 million
- 14. Fruit juices (HS 2009)US$11.3 million
- 15. Crustaceans (HS 0306)US$11.1 million
- 16. Cheese (HS 0406)US$11 million
- 17. Poultry meat (HS 0207)US$10.9 million
- 18. Food preparations (HS 2106)US$9.46 million
- 19. Iron and steel scrap (HS 7204)US$9.3 million
- 20. Copper scrap (HS 7404)US$7.36 million
- Alumina and bauxite were 38.3 percent of 2025 exports, and refined petroleum products added 25.2 percent. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Re-exports were 8.3 percent of 2025 flow X exports, so some lines include goods made elsewhere. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Jamaica exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- United States40.8%
- Russia11.3%
- Iceland6.8%
- Canada6.1%
- Netherlands5%
- Trinidad and Tobago4.6%
- United Kingdom4%
- France3.4%
Source: UN Comtrade, Jamaica exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks rum and other spirits, sauces and seasonings and bread, cakes and biscuits as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Jamaica’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Jamaica exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Poultry meat grew 24% from 2024 to 2025; fruit juices grew 24% from 2024 to 2025. 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, Jamaica exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
The United States takes 40.8% of Jamaica’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, Jamaica exports by destination, 2025 (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.
Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM)
Jamaican goods certified as CARICOM origin enter other member states without import duty.
Rules-based preference under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, as of October 30, 2026; goods need the CARICOM certificate and local taxes still apply.
Source: Jamaica Customs Agency, trade agreements (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
Lets qualifying Jamaican goods and capital move between participating states and lets Jamaicans establish businesses there.
As of October 30, 2026, the Bahamas and Montserrat do not take part in the single market, and the single economy is not complete.
Source: Jamaica Trade Information Portal, trade agreements (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Economic Partnership Agreement between the CARIFORUM States and the European Community and its Member States
Gives Jamaican goods duty-free, quota-free access to the European Union, except arms and out-of-quota sugar.
Applied provisionally since December 29, 2008 and not ratified by Jamaica, the Customs Agency says, as of October 30, 2026; rules of origin apply.
Source: Jamaica Customs Agency, CARIFORUM-European Union EPA page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARIFORUM-United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement
Gives Jamaican goods duty-free, quota-free access to the United Kingdom under the agreement rules of origin.
As of October 30, 2026, the United Kingdom says the agreement is in effect, and the WTO Secretariat says Jamaica applies it provisionally since 2021.
Source: GOV.UK, trade with the CARIFORUM States, January 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 1, 2022
Show 8 more agreements
Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA)
Lets many Jamaican products enter the United States free of duty when they meet the program rules.
Rules-based preference with no set expiry, USTR says, as of October 30, 2026; some products are excluded and the United States sets eligibility.
Source: USTR, Caribbean Basin Initiative page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA)
Adds duty-free treatment for further goods from beneficiary countries, and USTR lists Jamaica as a beneficiary.
Scheduled to expire on September 30, 2030, USTR says (as of October 30, 2026).
Source: USTR, Caribbean Basin Initiative page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff (CARIBCAN)
Gives many Jamaican products duty-free entry to Canada when shipped directly from Jamaica.
One-way Canadian preference; origin rules in SOR/98-36 are current to September 30, 2026, and some goods are excluded.
Source: Justice Canada, Commonwealth Caribbean Tariff origin regulations, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 30, 2026
CARICOM-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement
Gives most Jamaican goods duty-free access to the Dominican Republic under rules of origin.
Rules-based preference with limited exceptions; check the product schedule before you quote.
Source: JAMPRO, trade agreements page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement
Gives many Jamaican goods duty-free access to Costa Rica.
Rules-based preference with selected exceptions; check the product schedule before you quote.
Source: JAMPRO, trade agreements page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM-Colombia Agreement
Gives a range of Jamaican goods duty-free access to Colombia.
Partial scope agreement; only the listed goods benefit.
Source: Jamaica Trade Information Portal, trade agreements (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM-Cuba Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement
Gives specific Jamaican commodities duty-free access to Cuba.
Rules of origin apply; only the listed commodities benefit.
Source: JAMPRO, trade agreements page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM – Venezuela
Gives listed Jamaican goods duty-free entry to Venezuela; Jamaica grants no preferences in return.
Non-reciprocal partial-scope agreement; only listed goods benefit. Check OFAC's Venezuela sanctions program and the product list before you quote.
Source: Jamaica Trade Information Portal, trade agreements (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Jamaica
- Register with JAMPRO if you export goods on a commercial basis; goods sent abroad for temporary use or later re-import are exempt.Jamaica Promotions CorporationOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Jamaica Customs Agency, export procedures (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- First-time exporters apply to the Customs Agency for an ASYCUDA World account to file declarations.Jamaica Customs AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Jamaica Customs Agency, export procedures (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Apply for permits, licenses and certificates through JSWIFT before you file the export declaration.Jamaica Customs AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Jamaica Trade Information Portal, Jamaica Single Window (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get a Trade Board export license for controlled goods such as gold, jewelry, sugar and motor vehicles.Trade Board LimitedOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Jamaica Trade Information Portal, how to export (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 6 more export steps
- Ask the Trade Board for the certificate of origin that fits the market: CARICOM, EUR 1, CBI form or GSP Form A.Trade Board LimitedOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Jamaica Trade Information Portal, how to export (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For processed foods, get a Bureau of Standards Jamaica certificate; green coffee and commercial coconut products need a JACRA permit.Bureau of Standards JamaicaOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Jamaica Trade Information Portal, how to export (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For plants and plant products, get Plant Quarantine Division approval; animals and animal products need Veterinary Division approval.Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and MiningOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Jamaica Trade Information Portal, how to export (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- File the export declaration in ASYCUDA World, upload the commercial invoice and approvals, pay the fee and submit.Jamaica Customs AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Jamaica Customs Agency, export procedures (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Tell the Border Protection Division 24 hours before you load containerized cargo.Jamaica Customs AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Jamaica Customs Agency, export procedures (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Ask the Incentives Unit whether Productive Inputs Relief applies to the inputs you import for export production.Jamaica Customs AgencyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Jamaica Customs Agency, incentives page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with JAMPRO, JCA and STATIN. 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
- Get advice
National trade and investment agency
JAMPRO
Jamaica Promotions Corporation
Offers exporter services, a readiness checker and capacity programs, and runs investor services for companies setting up in Jamaica.
Visit JAMPRO (opens in a new tab)Source: JAMPRO, exporter services page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
National statistics office
STATIN
Statistical Institute of Jamaica
Publishes consumer price, merchandise trade and quarterly output statistics with a press release for each.
Visit STATIN (opens in a new tab)Source: STATIN, home page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 6 more organizations
- Find finance
Export credit and insurance
EXIM Bank
National Export-Import Bank of Jamaica
Offers export credit, trade credit insurance and business advice to companies that sell abroad.
- Get advice
Regional trade promotion agency
Caribbean Export
Caribbean Export Development Agency
Regional body
Runs an exporters toolkit, grant funding, training and technical assistance for private companies across the Caribbean.
Visit Caribbean Export (opens in a new tab)Source: Caribbean Export, home page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Find finance
Development finance institution
DBJ
Development Bank of Jamaica
Offers small-business and agribusiness loans, grant programs and a credit enhancement facility.
Visit DBJ (opens in a new tab)Source: Development Bank of Jamaica, home page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Foreign trade policy ministry
MFAFT
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade
Its Foreign Trade Department handles trade agreements and the national foreign trade policy.
Visit MFAFT (opens in a new tab)Source: MFAFT, home page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Small business development agency
JBDC
Jamaica Business Development Corporation
Gives small businesses advisory, technical and marketing services.
Visit JBDC (opens in a new tab)Source: JBDC, business advisory services page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
Multilateral trade organization
WTO
World Trade Organization
Multilateral body
Publishes Jamaica's membership details and trade policy review reports.
Visit WTO (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO, Jamaica member information page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs authority
JCA
Jamaica Customs Agency
Runs ASYCUDA World declarations and publishes export procedures, tariff search, incentives and trade agreement guides.
Visit JCA (opens in a new tab)Source: Jamaica Customs Agency, home page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Licensing and origin certifying body
Trade Board
Trade Board Limited
Issues export licenses and the certificates of origin that Jamaica's trade agreements require.
Visit Trade Board (opens in a new tab)Source: Jamaica Trade Information Portal, about the Trade Board (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Tax authority
TAJ
Tax Administration Jamaica
Issues taxpayer registration numbers and publishes guidance on tax types and fiscal incentives.
Visit TAJ (opens in a new tab)Source: Tax Administration Jamaica, home page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
BSJ
Bureau of Standards Jamaica
Develops national standards, tests products and runs the technical barriers to trade enquiry point.
Visit BSJ (opens in a new tab)Source: Bureau of Standards Jamaica, WTO TBT enquiry point page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Agriculture ministry
MOAFM
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining
Its Plant Quarantine and Veterinary Services divisions approve exports of plants, animals and their products.
Visit MOAFM (opens in a new tab)Source: Jamaica Trade Information Portal, how to export (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 3 more organizations
- Meet requirements
Agricultural commodities regulator
JACRA
Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority
Sets quality standards and licenses trade in coffee, cocoa, coconut and spices.
Visit JACRA (opens in a new tab)Source: JACRA, home page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Environment and planning agency
NEPA
National Environment & Planning Agency
Issues export permits for species and items it administers, such as coral and scrap metal.
Visit NEPA (opens in a new tab)Source: Jamaica Trade Information Portal, how to export (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Product compliance regulator
NCRA
National Compliance and Regulatory Authority
Inspects commodities, food safety and legal metrology and lists registered food establishments.
Visit NCRA (opens in a new tab)Source: NCRA, home page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
National chamber of commerce
JCC
Jamaica Chamber of Commerce
Represents member businesses through advocacy and trade facilitation services.
Visit JCC (opens in a new tab)Source: Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, home page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Manufacturers' and exporters' association
JMEA
Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association
Offers members business development, research and trade services.
Visit JMEA (opens in a new tab)Source: JMEA, home page, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Hurricane recovery
After Hurricane Melissa, STATIN reports real value added fell 2.9 percent in April to June 2026, with agriculture down 15.3 percent and foreign national arrivals down 21.0 percent.
What to do: Confirm that your supplier, port and power connection are working before you commit to delivery dates.
Sources: STATIN, quarterly GDP release, April to June 2026 (opens in a new tab); IMF, Jamaica Rapid Financing Instrument report, January 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 30, 2026
Exports in 2026
STATIN reports merchandise exports of US$993.0 million for January to July 2026, 5.3 percent below the same months of 2025.
What to do: Compare current STATIN releases with the 2025 figures before you set volume targets.
Source: STATIN, merchandise trade release, January to July 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 28, 2026
Currency and settlement
The IMF calls the Jamaican dollar regime crawl-like in practice, and the Bank of Jamaica targets 4.0 to 6.0 percent inflation while STATIN reports 8.6 percent for September 2026.
What to do: State the invoice currency and settlement date in each contract, and confirm the rate before you price.
Sources: STATIN, consumer price index press release, September 2026 (opens in a new tab); Bank of Jamaica, inflation target page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United States tariffs
The 10 percent section 122 surcharge ran from February 24 to July 24, 2026; USTR's July 28, 2026 Section 301 duties cover 60 economies, not Jamaica.
What to do: Check Customs and Border Protection guidance for the duty on your product code and entry date before you quote.
Sources: USTR, Section 301 forced labor notice, July 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab); Federal Register, Proclamation 11012, February 25, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 2 more
European Union agreement status
Jamaica applies the CARIFORUM-European Union agreement provisionally since December 29, 2008, and the Customs Agency says it has not ratified it.
What to do: Ask the Trade Board which origin form your buyer needs before you ship.
Sources: Jamaica Customs Agency, CARIFORUM-European Union EPA page (opens in a new tab); Jamaica Trade Information Portal, how to export (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Customs and trade law
The Customs Agency's legislation page lists the Customs Act and its 2014 amendment; the Ministry said in March 2025 that a new Customs Act awaited Parliament.
What to do: Check the Customs Agency legislation page for the Act in force before you rely on a procedure.
Sources: Jamaica Customs Agency, legislation and acts page (opens in a new tab); MIIC, Export Growth and Market Access page, March 2025 (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 Jamaica project.
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Promote:Jamaica 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.