Promote:
Export from Saint Lucia
A short guide for companies selling from Saint Lucia: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Saint Lucia sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$34.7 million
Merchandise exports were US$34,650,202 in 2025: partners' reported imports from Saint Lucia, net of fuels, unspecified goods and ships (73.2 percent of their US$129,172,634).
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Saint Lucia by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exports
US$1.4 billion
Services exports were US$1,404.57 million in 2025, on the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC basis published by UNCTADstat.
Source: UNCTADstat, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC trade in services, Saint Lucia, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Beer (HS 2203)US$10.1 million
- 2. Spirits and liqueurs (HS 2208)US$2.84 million
- 3. Paper cartons and boxes (HS 4819)US$2.59 million
- 4. Sauces and seasonings (HS 2103)US$1.61 million
- 5. Wheat flour (HS 1101)US$1.46 million
- 6. Copper scrap (HS 7404)US$1.38 million
- 7. Seaweed and sea moss (HS 1212)US$1.07 million
- 8. Gas turbines and jet engines (HS 8411)US$856,370
Show 12 more products
- 9. Aluminum scrap (HS 7602)US$769,708
- 10. Original paintings and drawings (HS 9701)US$728,077
- 11. Precious metal scrap (HS 7112)US$708,620
- 12. Nitrogen-based chemical compounds (HS 2933)US$619,963
- 13. Paints and varnishes (HS 3209)US$483,422
- 14. Crushed stone and gravel (HS 2517)US$479,229
- 15. Iron and steel scrap (HS 7204)US$462,752
- 16. Industrial machinery (HS 8479)US$427,922
- 17. Prepared foods (HS 2106)US$413,005
- 18. Bananas (HS 0803)US$329,229
- 19. Broadcast transmission equipment (HS 8525)US$322,411
- 20. Cement (HS 2523)US$316,651
- Reported by the buying countries as imports, valued by each importing country (CIF or FOB, as each reports it), not at export. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Partners reported US$129,172,634 in 2025: ships under 0.1 percent, fuels 66.5, unspecified goods (chapter 99) 6.6 and fish none; all are left out of the total. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Partner data cannot split domestic exports from re-exports; the statistics office reports EC$81.4 million domestic and EC$162.7 million re-exports for 2025. Source (opens in a new tab)
- No prior-year values are shown, for the total or by product, because the 2024 product pull is incomplete. Source (opens in a new tab)
- In 2020 the statistics office recorded over 98 percent of exports of power-generating machinery, telecommunications equipment and road vehicles as re-exports. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Saint Lucia by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- Suriname34.1%
- France29.5%
- United States10.5%
- Guyana6.8%
- Trinidad and Tobago5.9%
- Barbados4.3%
- Belize2.6%
- United Kingdom1.7%
- Fuel (HS chapter 27) is 66.5 percent of the 2025 total, and 98.5 percent of Suriname's figure, 94.1 percent of France's and 76.1 percent of Guyana's. Source (opens in a new tab)
- 68 countries reported imports from Saint Lucia in 2025 against 70 in 2024; Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada reported in 2024 but not 2025. Source (opens in a new tab)
- France's figure went from US$1.7 million in 2024 to US$38.1 million in 2025, almost all fuel, which the merchandise total leaves out. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Destination shares are of partners' full reported total of US$129,172,634, not of the merchandise total shown. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Saint Lucia by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks beer, spirits and liqueurs and paper cartons and boxes as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Saint Lucia’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Saint Lucia by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Suriname takes 34.1% of Saint Lucia’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, partners' imports from Saint Lucia 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.
CARICOM
A seller can ship goods to other CARICOM states under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the common external tariff and origin rules.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: Export Saint Lucia, trade agreements page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
A seller can supply goods and services across participating CARICOM states under the single market arrangements.
Check the importing state's rules, since exceptions for health, safety and security remain.
Source: Export Saint Lucia, trade agreements page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
OECS Economic Union
A seller in Saint Lucia can trade within the Eastern Caribbean under the Revised Treaty of Basseterre, which sets up the Economic Union.
Applies to OECS protocol member states only, so confirm the partner has joined.
Source: Export Saint Lucia, trade agreements page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARIFORUM-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement
A seller can claim preferential duty rates in the European Union with an origin proof, such as a EUR.1 certificate.
Rules-based preference, so origin rules and documents must be met for each shipment.
Source: European Commission, Access2Markets, CARIFORUM EPA page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 4 more agreements
CARIFORUM-United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement
A seller can claim preferential duty rates in the United Kingdom under the partnership agreement, which GOV.UK lists Saint Lucia as covered by.
GOV.UK gives no date here, so check the origin rules and the current tariff before you quote.
Source: GOV.UK, trade with the CARIFORUM states, January 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 1, 2022
Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA)
A seller can ship eligible goods to the United States duty free as a listed beneficiary country.
Covers eligible goods only, and does not replace other United States measures.
Source: USTR, Caribbean Basin Initiative page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA)
A seller can claim extra United States preferences, such as for qualifying apparel, as a listed CBTPA beneficiary; the preference runs to September 30, 2030.
The preference runs to September 30, 2030, so check the current list and product rules.
Source: Public Law 116-164, extends CBTPA to 2030 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 10, 2020
Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff (CARIBCAN)
A seller can export eligible goods to Canada under the Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff, which Canada's 2026 tariff list grants Saint Lucia.
Applies to eligible goods only, so check the Canadian tariff line before you quote.
Source: Canada Border Services Agency, Customs Tariff country list, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Saint Lucia
- Get an ASYCUDA World user account and a Customs taxpayer ID, which the portal asks for before you file or pay.Saint Lucia Customs & Excise DepartmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Customs and Excise Department, ASYCUDA World portal page (opens in a new tab) · as of January 11, 2022
- Check whether your goods need an export license under the External Trade Act, which depends on the product and the market.Permanent Secretary under the External Trade ActOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Revised Laws of Saint Lucia, External Trade Act s6 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
- Check national standards and labeling needs with the Bureau of Standards, and compulsory standards for regulated products.Saint Lucia Bureau of StandardsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Export Saint Lucia, standards and quality page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- For plant products, apply for a phytosanitary certificate and inspection; for sea moss, apply for the Export Saint Lucia export certificate.Crop Protection and Quarantine Unit, Ministry of AgricultureSea moss certificate: EC$20 over 2 pounds, EC$5 for 0.1 to 2 poundsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Quarantine Unit page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 3 more export steps
- Prepare the origin paper your market needs: the Caribbean Common Market form in Schedule 3 for CARICOM, or an EUR.1 certificate for the European Union.Saint Lucia Customs & Excise DepartmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: European Commission, Access2Markets, CARIFORUM EPA page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Deliver the export entry for your goods to Customs, in the form and manner the Comptroller directs, which includes filing in ASYCUDA World.Saint Lucia Customs & Excise DepartmentOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Revised Laws of Saint Lucia, Customs Act s34 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
- Claim a refund of duty paid on imported inputs when manufactured goods are exported, on a claim to the Comptroller.Comptroller of CustomsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Revised Laws of Saint Lucia, Customs Act s83 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with Export Saint Lucia and Customs and Excise. 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 promotion agency
Export Saint Lucia
Gives expanding companies trade information, market promotion and export facilitation help, and coordinates the national export effort.
Visit Export Saint Lucia (opens in a new tab)Source: Export Saint Lucia, about page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Regional trade and investment agency
Caribbean Export
Caribbean Export Development Agency
Regional body
Helps CARIFORUM firms grow exports, attract investment and build competitiveness.
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
Show 1 more organization
- Research markets
National statistics office
Central Statistical Office
The Central Statistical Office of Saint Lucia
Publishes trade, price and national accounts tables, including domestic exports and re-exports.
Visit Central Statistical Office (opens in a new tab)Source: Central Statistical Office, trade statistics page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs authority
Customs and Excise
Saint Lucia Customs & Excise Department
Runs ASYCUDA World, where traders hold accounts and pay duties and taxes on customs declarations.
Visit Customs and Excise (opens in a new tab)Source: Customs and Excise Department, ASYCUDA World portal page (opens in a new tab) · as of January 11, 2022
- Meet requirements
Tax authority
Inland Revenue
Inland Revenue Department
Registers businesses for value added tax through its Comptroller, who must decide within 21 working days.
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
Bureau of Standards
Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards
Regulates and maintains standards, tests and calibrates products, and advises manufacturers on quality control.
- Meet requirements
Agriculture ministry
Agriculture Ministry
Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Sustainable Development
Issues phytosanitary certificates and inspects plant material and pack houses through its Quarantine Unit.
Visit Agriculture Ministry (opens in a new tab)Source: Ministry of Agriculture, Quarantine Unit page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Regional standards organization
CROSQ
CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality
Regional body
Facilitates regional standards and promotes the harmonization of metrology systems.
Visit CROSQ (opens in a new tab)Source: CROSQ, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Chamber of commerce
St. Lucia Chamber
St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture
Represents private sector members and runs small business, youth business and member programs.
Visit St. Lucia Chamber (opens in a new tab)Source: St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Logistics and border performance
Saint Lucia notified the WTO that its single window is a Category C commitment with a definitive implementation date of June 30, 2028.
What to do: Confirm the current filing steps with Customs, and use ASYCUDA World for declarations.
Sources: WTO TFA Database, Saint Lucia implementation status (opens in a new tab); Customs and Excise Department, ASYCUDA World portal page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United States tariffs
As of October 30, 2026, IEEPA duties have ended, the Section 122 surcharge ended July 24, 2026, and the July Section 301 notice does not name Saint Lucia.
What to do: Check the United States tariff line, any Section 232 metals duty and your CBERA claim before you quote.
Sources: Federal Register, USTR Section 301 notice, July 2026 (opens in a new tab); Federal Register, Executive Order 14389, February 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Climate and water
The IMF says Saint Lucia faces risks from natural disasters, and that insurance resilience is critical given exposure to climate-related events.
What to do: Confirm insurance cover and delivery schedules for storm season before you sign contracts.
Sources: IMF, 2025 Article IV press release, January 2026 (opens in a new tab); IMF, 2025 Article IV concluding statement, December 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 14, 2026
Public debt and arrears
The IMF estimated total public sector debt at 77.2 percent of GDP in 2025, and calls for tax reform and stronger tax administration.
What to do: Check tax and fee changes with Inland Revenue before you fix prices or project costs.
Sources: IMF, 2025 Article IV press release, January 2026 (opens in a new tab); IMF, 2025 Article IV concluding statement, December 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 14, 2026
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Currency and settlement
Saint Lucia uses the Eastern Caribbean dollar, and the Exchange Control Act covers dealings in foreign currency and payments in and outside Saint Lucia.
What to do: Confirm payment and foreign currency rules with your bank before you price or settle in another currency.
Sources: Revised Laws of Saint Lucia, ECCB Agreement Act Part V (opens in a new tab); Revised Laws of Saint Lucia, Exchange Control Act (2023) (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 Saint Lucia project.
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Promote:Saint Lucia 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.