Promote:
Export from Suriname
A short guide for companies selling from Suriname: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Suriname sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$3.35 billion
Suriname reported merchandise exports of US$3,354,472,972.74 in 2025 to UN Comtrade (flow X, which includes re-exports).
Source: UN Comtrade, Suriname exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exports
US$218.4 million
UNCTADstat reports Suriname services exports of US$218.43 million in 2025, with no estimate flag.
Source: UNCTADstat, trade in services by category, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Gold (HS 7108)US$1.61 billion
- 2. Logs (HS 4403)US$47.5 million
- 3. Machinery parts (HS 8431)US$20.1 million
- 4. Rice (HS 1006)US$16.4 million
- 5. Fish fillets (HS 0304)US$14.1 million
- 6. Crushed stone and gravel (HS 2517)US$13.4 million
- 7. Fresh fish (HS 0302)US$12.1 million
- 8. Surveying and measuring instruments (HS 9015)US$11.6 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Frozen fish (HS 0303)US$7.7 million
- 10. Sawn wood (HS 4407)US$7.39 million
- 11. Industrial machinery (HS 8479)US$5.97 million
- 12. Engine parts (HS 8409)US$4.58 million
- 13. Animal products not elsewhere listed (HS 0511)US$3.81 million
- 14. Diesel engines (HS 8408)US$3.65 million
- 15. Iron and steel articles (HS 7326)US$3.23 million
- 16. Ferrous scrap (HS 7204)US$3.14 million
- 17. Beer (HS 2203)US$3.05 million
- 18. Copper scrap (HS 7404)US$2.91 million
- 19. Spirits and liqueurs (HS 2208)US$2.76 million
- 20. Metal containers (HS 8609)US$1.83 million
- Commodities not specified by kind (HS 9999) are 45.4 percent of 2025 exports; they are in the total but not ranked. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Gold is 48.0 percent of 2025 exports, so every other ranked line is small beside it. Source (opens in a new tab)
- The statistics office reports 2024 exports of US$1.97 billion, against US$1.48 billion in Suriname's Comtrade report, so no change on 2024 is shown. Check which basis a figure uses before you compare years. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Flow X includes re-exports, which were 0.4 percent of 2025 exports; poultry meat, spirits and beer are mostly re-exported. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Suriname exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- Switzerland38.9%
- Australia23.2%
- Singapore20.8%
- Guyana5.9%
- United States2.6%
- Jamaica2%
- China1.3%
- Canada1.2%
- Destinations are reported by the buying countries as imports, valued by each importing country (CIF or FOB, as each reports it), for 2025; the product ranking uses Suriname's own report. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Suriname by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
2. What to look into next
Our reading
Extractive lines (gold and crushed stone and gravel) make up about 48% of Suriname’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, Suriname exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Suriname exports by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports and goods exports
The research marks rice, fish fillets and fresh fish as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Suriname’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Suriname exports by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Switzerland takes 38.9% of Suriname’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 Suriname 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 (CARICOM)
A seller in Suriname trades with other CARICOM members under the common external tariff and origin rules.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Suriname, August 2019 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 7, 2019
Economic Partnership Agreement between the CARIFORUM States and the European Community and its Member States
A seller can ship to European Union markets duty-free and quota-free when goods meet the origin rules.
The European Commission lists Suriname among the 14 states implementing the agreement; goods qualify only when they meet its origin rules.
Source: European Commission, CARIFORUM economic partnership page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CARIFORUM-United Kingdom Economic Partnership Agreement
A seller can ship to the United Kingdom with preferential duties when goods meet the origin rules.
GOV.UK lists provisional application for Suriname; the origin rules decide which goods qualify.
Source: GOV.UK, United Kingdom trade agreements in effect (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA)
Suriname goods do not get the United States Caribbean Basin duty-free treatment.
USTR's June 2025 notice lists the beneficiary countries and does not name Suriname.
Source: USTR, Caribbean Basin Initiative biennial review notice, June 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 16, 2025
Show 4 more agreements
Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA)
Suriname goods do not get the extra United States preferences for qualifying apparel and other goods.
USTR's June 2025 notice lists the countries receiving CBTPA benefits and does not name Suriname.
Source: USTR, Caribbean Basin Initiative biennial review notice, June 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 16, 2025
Commonwealth Caribbean Countries Tariff (CARIBCAN)
Suriname goods do not get Canada's CARIBCAN duty treatment.
The Canada Border Services Agency 2026 list shows no CARIBCAN treatment for Suriname.
Source: Canada Border Services Agency, tariff treatments by country, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 1, 2026
CARICOM-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement
Goods covered by the agreement trade at preferential rates between Suriname and the Dominican Republic.
As of 2019, per the WTO review, Suriname grants preferential treatment to these imports; the agreement covers goods only. Confirm the schedule with customs before you quote.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Suriname, August 2019 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 7, 2019
CARICOM-Cuba Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement
Goods on the agreement's lists trade at preferential rates between Suriname and Cuba.
As of 2019, per the WTO review, Suriname grants preferential treatment to these imports; the agreement covers goods only. Confirm the schedule with customs before you quote.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Suriname, August 2019 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 7, 2019
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Suriname
- Register the business with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which every importer and exporter must do before trading.Kamer van Koophandel en FabriekenOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Standards Bureau, Suriname Import-Export Guide (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Register with the tax service for a tax identification number (FIN), which customs declarations have required since January 1, 2025.Belastingdienst SurinameOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Tax service, Customs page (in Dutch) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Register once in customs' ASYCUDA system, through a customs broker or the tax portal with a Chamber extract, and authorize a customs broker to file declarations.Douane SurinameOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Tax service, customs declaration procedure (in Dutch) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Check the Negative List; goods on it need an H-03 permit, and many Negative List products must be registered in the single window.Ministerie van Economische Zaken, Ondernemerschap en Technologische InnovatieOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Standards Bureau, Suriname Import-Export Guide (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 5 more export steps
- Request a certificate of origin for goods bound for CARICOM or the European Union; as of 2019, the Chamber issued the CARICOM certificates.Kamer van Koophandel en FabriekenOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Suriname, August 2019 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 7, 2019
- Check product standards, and request a Certificate of Free Sale if the buyer asks for one.Surinaams Standaarden Bureau10 working daysOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Standards Bureau, Suriname Import-Export Guide (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get the phytosanitary, veterinary, fish inspection or health certificate your product needs before shipping.Ministerie van Landbouw, Veeteelt en VisserijOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Standards Bureau, Suriname Import-Export Guide (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Have your customs broker file the export declaration in ASYCUDA World and upload the invoices, transport documents and certificates.Douane SurinameOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Tax service, customs declaration procedure (in Dutch) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Ask SITA about the Export Growth Program and, with an approved export strategy, the cost share grant for market-entry costs.Suriname Investment and Trade AgencyProgram value US$4,000; the company pays US$600Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SITA, Export Growth Program page, June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 4, 2026
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with SITA, Douane and ABS. 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
Investment and trade promotion agency
SITA
Suriname Investment and Trade Agency
Guides investors through registration, permits and incentives, and runs export coaching and cost share grants for Surinamese companies.
Visit SITA (opens in a new tab)Source: SITA, About Us page (opens in a new tab) · as of August 5, 2025
- Research markets
National statistics office
ABS
Algemeen Bureau voor de Statistiek in Suriname
Publishes consumer price, trade and national accounts statistics compiled from customs and survey data.
Visit ABS (opens in a new tab)Source: Statistics office, trade statistics metadata (in Dutch) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 3 more organizations
- Find finance
National development bank
NOB
Nationale Ontwikkelingsbank
Lends to existing and starting small and mid-sized businesses for investment and working capital.
Visit NOB (opens in a new tab)Source: National Development Bank, home page (in Dutch) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Regional export development agency
Caribbean Export
Caribbean Export Development Agency
Regional body
Supports export and investment promotion for businesses across the CARIFORUM region, which includes Suriname.
Visit Caribbean Export (opens in a new tab)Source: Caribbean Export, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
Multilateral trade organization
WTO
World Trade Organization
Multilateral body
Publishes Suriname's membership details and its Trade Policy Review report.
Visit WTO (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO, Suriname member information page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs authority
Douane
Douane Suriname
Runs customs clearance in ASYCUDA World, where registered exporters file declarations with their tax identification number.
Visit Douane (opens in a new tab)Source: Tax service, Customs page (in Dutch) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
Tax service
Belastingdienst
Belastingdienst Suriname
Registers businesses for VAT, wage tax and income tax through its online portal and issues the tax identification number.
Visit Belastingdienst (opens in a new tab)Source: Tax service, registration page (in Dutch) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
Trade policy and licensing ministry
EZOTI
Ministerie van Economische Zaken, Ondernemerschap en Technologische Innovatie
Oversees the single window and the department that grants import and export permits for goods on the Negative List.
Visit EZOTI (opens in a new tab)Source: Economic Affairs Ministry, single window notice, September 2025 (in Dutch) (opens in a new tab) · as of September 29, 2025
- Meet requirements
National standards body
SSB
Surinaams Standaarden Bureau
Develops standards and technical regulations, issues Certificates of Free Sale and serves as the technical barriers to trade enquiry point.
Visit SSB (opens in a new tab)Source: Standards Bureau, home page (in Dutch) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Agriculture and fisheries ministry
LVV
Ministerie van Landbouw, Veeteelt en Visserij
Houses the plant protection service, veterinary services and fish inspection institute that certify plant, animal and fishery exports.
Visit LVV (opens in a new tab)Source: Standards Bureau, Suriname Import-Export Guide (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Chamber of commerce and registry
KKF
Kamer van Koophandel en Fabrieken
Registers companies and trade names, offers a One Stop Window and online permit applications, and represents the business community.
Visit KKF (opens in a new tab)Source: Chamber of Commerce, home page (in Dutch) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Bilateral chamber of commerce
AmCham Suriname
American Chamber of Commerce of Suriname
Brings together companies active in Suriname and the United States to simplify and promote business.
Visit AmCham Suriname (opens in a new tab)Source: AmCham Suriname, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
United States tariffs
USTR's July 28, 2026 Section 301 notice names 60 economies, and Suriname is not among them.
What to do: Check the current United States duty for your product's heading with your customs broker before you quote.
Source: USTR, Section 301 forced labor actions notice, July 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
United States fish import rules
The United States lifted its import prohibition on fish from Suriname's drift gillnet fishery on June 22, 2026, under a finding that runs to December 31, 2029.
What to do: Confirm your fishery's current finding with your buyer before you ship to the United States.
Source: Federal Register, Suriname fishery comparability finding, June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Trade data limits
The statistics office withholds trade data when fewer than three operators work in a branch or one holds 95 percent or more of it.
What to do: Treat missing lines in national trade tables as withheld, not zero, and ask the statistics office before you size a market.
Source: Statistics office, trade statistics metadata (in Dutch) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Currency and settlement
The IMF says 2025 fiscal and monetary slippages weakened the currency and returned inflation to double digits.
What to do: Agree the currency, price review terms and payment timing in writing before you sign.
Source: IMF, Suriname 2025 Article IV press release, February 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of February 11, 2026
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Public debt and arrears
The IMF estimates central government debt at 106.3 percent of GDP in 2025 and calls for a significant fiscal adjustment in 2026.
What to do: Confirm payment terms in writing with any public-sector buyer before you ship.
Source: IMF, Suriname 2025 Article IV press release, February 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of February 11, 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 Suriname project.
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Promote:Suriname 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.