Bahames: Perfil comercial

Foreign Trade in Figures

The Bahamas is very open to trade, which represents 79% of its GDP (World Bank). Although the country has been an observer to the WTO since 2001 and has been negotiating accession for several years, it is not part of the World Trade Organization (WTO). According to data from the National Statistical Institute, domestic exports amounted to USD 183.6 million in 2024, representing 27% of total exports, while re-exports totalled USD 505 million, accounting for the remaining 73%. The main categories of domestic exports were food and live animals, valued at USD 90.1 million (49% of domestic exports), and chemicals, which totalled USD 49.8 million, or 27% of domestic exports. In the case of re-exports, manufactured goods (USD 175.9 million) and miscellaneous manufactured articles (USD 130.3 million) together made up 61% of the total, contributing 35% and 26% respectively. On the other hand, machinery and transport equipment was the largest contributor to imports, amounting to approximately USD 1.2 billion, or 24% of total imports. This was followed by food and live animals, which accounted for 17%, valued at USD 815 million. Other significant import categories included mineral fuels and lubricants, totalling USD 703 million (14% of imports), and miscellaneous manufactured articles, which contributed nearly USD 632 million, representing close to 13% of total imports.

The Bahamas maintains close economic and political ties with the United States, which is by far its largest trade partner, both in terms of trade and investment. In 2024, the U.S. accounted for 83% of total imports and almost 65% of exports. Other major import countries were China (2.5%) and the U.S. Virgin Islands (2%), whereas exports were also directed towards Canada (6.4%) and Ireland (2.9% - data National Statistical Institute). The Bahamas is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) but has not joined the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), primarily due to concerns over the free movement of labour and capital. Nonetheless, it aligns its external tariff with the CARICOM Common External Tariff (CET) to a limited extent. The country maintains relatively high tariffs compared to WTO members, using them as a major source of government revenue, but has a limited use of non-tariff barriers, and import licensing is generally restricted to health and safety concerns. Along with 14 more Caribbean countries, the country signed with the EU the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, aimed at making it easier for people and businesses from the two regions to invest in and trade with each other, and thus to help Caribbean countries grow their economies and create jobs. The agreement also comes with substantial EU aid for trade.

Most of the country's industries are concentrated in Freeport, the second biggest city after Nassau, where a free trade zone has been operational since 1955. Due to low domestic production and high demand drawn by tourism, the Bahamas is very dependent on imports. The country's trade balance is structurally negative, a situation which should continue in the coming years. According to the latest available data from the National Statistical Institute, in 2024, the total value of commodities imported into The Bahamas reached approximately USD 4.9 billion, marking an 18% increase compared to the USD 4.2 billion recorded in 2023. Total exports—comprising both domestic exports and re-exports—stood at USD 689.0 million, down from USD 736 million in the previous year. Domestic exports amounted to USD 183.6 million, representing 27% of total exports, while re-exports totalled USD 505 million, accounting for the remaining 73%.

Main Partner Countries

Source: Comtrade, Latest Available Data

Main Products

Source: Comtrade, Latest Available Data

To go further, check out our service Import Controls and Export Controls

To go further, check out our service Import-Export Flows

Main Services

Source: United Nations Statistics Division, Latest Available Data

List of tariffs and local taxes that apply to your product on our service Customs Duties and Local Taxes

Trade Compliance

International Economic Cooperation

Member of Commonwealth of Nations

Member of Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

Member of Association of Caribbean States (ACS)

Useful Resources

Bahamas Customs Department

National Organisation of Intellectual Property

The Registrar General's Department.

 

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Latest Update: October 2025