NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Exports from The Bahamas declined by 19 percent during the third quarter of 2025, compared with a three percent decrease in imports, according to the Bahamas National Statistical Institute’s Third Quarter 2025 Foreign Trade Statistics Report.
Total exports (domestic exports and re-exports) fell to $128 million, while the value of merchandise imports totaled approximately $1.3 billion during the period.
The report shows that machinery and transport equipment remained the largest import category, valued at $356 million and accounting for 27 percent of total imports. Food and live animals followed at $210 million, representing 16 percent of imports. Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material totaled $194 million, while miscellaneous manufactured articles accounted for $163 million. Mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials contributed $142 million, and chemicals totaled $103 million. Combined, these categories represented the majority of imports recorded during the quarter.
Compared with the same period in 2024, imports of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials declined by 43 percent, while animal and vegetable oils and fats fell by 5 percent. The Institute noted that the overall value of imports declined despite continued demand in several major commodity groups.
On the export side, total exports for the third quarter of 2025 were valued at $128 million, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 19 percent. Machinery and transport equipment was the largest export category, totaling $27 million and accounting for 21 percent of total exports. Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material followed at $22 million, or 17 percent, while food and live animals totaled $20 million, representing 16 percent of exports.
Other export categories recorded lower values during the quarter. Manufactured goods classified chiefly by material declined by 54 percent compared with the same quarter last year. Exports of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials and chemicals also decreased by 54 percent and 48 percent, respectively.
The Bahamas National Statistical Institute stated that the data are provisional and represent information available at the time of publication. The statistics are compiled using import and export documents submitted to the Bahamas Customs Department and processed by the Foreign Trade Section of the Institute. The General Trade System is used in compiling the data, in accordance with United Nations International Merchandise Trade Statistics guidelines.
Import values are recorded on a cost, insurance and freight (c.i.f.) basis, while export values are recorded on a free on board (f.o.b.) basis. All values are expressed in Bahamian dollars using the exchange rates prevailing at the time of importation or exportation.
