The Cayman Islands recorded an 8.3% improve in complete merchandise imports in 2024, reaching a worth of US$1.65 billion, in line with the not too long ago launched Cayman Islands Annual Overseas Commerce Statistics Report 2024. The expansion was largely pushed by non-petroleum imports, which rose 9% to US$1.43 billion—reflecting stable home demand throughout a number of sectors of the financial system.
One of many strongest areas of development got here from meals and reside animal imports, which elevated by 8.5% to US$286.3 million. The report famous larger imports of important gadgets equivalent to meat, contemporary greens and fruit, cereals, dairy merchandise, and eggs—suggesting a mixture of inhabitants development and elevated client buying energy.
Imports of drinks and tobacco additionally rose considerably, climbing 9.2% to US$62.3 million. This class was boosted by elevated demand for alcoholic drinks, together with beer and whisky, in addition to non-alcoholic choices like glowing and mineral water.
Equipment and transport gear imports rose 5.5%, indicating continued infrastructure funding and growth in transportation. This included larger imports of street automobiles, power-generating gear, and electrical equipment.
Manufacturing-related items additionally performed a task within the development, with an increase in imports of steel manufactures, non-ferrous metals, and wooden merchandise.
Nevertheless, not all classes posted features. Crude supplies (excluding fuels) dropped sharply by 20.1%, primarily resulting from lowered imports of cork and wooden, crude fertilizers, and textile fibers.
Petroleum and petroleum-related imports noticed a modest improve of 4.6%, totaling US$225.1 million. The uptick was attributed to each larger gasoline costs and elevated import volumes.
Miscellaneous manufactured articles—together with clothes, furnishings, and photographic gear—skilled modest development of 4.6%.
The report suggests the broad-based improve in imports displays robust client confidence, regular inhabitants development, and an increasing tourism sector. Development in infrastructure-related imports additionally indicators continued funding by each authorities and personal sector entities within the Cayman Islands’ improvement.
