Trinitat i Tobago: Perfil comercial

Foreign Trade in Figures

Trinidad and Tobago enjoys a high level of free trade, with a trade-to-GDP ratio of 92% (World Bank, latest data available). The country's main exports include mineral fuels (34.4%), organic chemicals (17.6%), inorganic chemicals (16.1%, especially ammonia), and iron and steel (7.5%). Trinidad and Tobago has an undiversified economy and depends heavily on imports, which are led by mineral fuels (15.3%), nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances (11.7%), vehicles (7.9%), and electrical machinery and equipment (5.6% - data Central Statistical Office for 2024).

Trinidad and Tobago's main import partners in 2024 were the U.S. (31.3% of total imports), China (13.8%), Brazil (5.9%), the UK (5.9%), and Japan (3.9%); whereas exports were mostly directed towards the U.S. (39.4%), Guyana (5.2%), Belgium (4.9%), the Netherlands (3.4%), and Brazil (2.8% - data Central Statistical Office). The island, a member of the WTO since 1995, has few non-tariff barriers but relatively high customs duties. The national policy intends to make Trinidad and Tobago a manufacturing and financial hub in the Caribbean and the Americas. Trinidad and Tobago’s trade policy emphasises regional integration and diversification, with membership in organisations such as CARICOM, the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), and the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The country applies relatively low tariff rates and maintains a generally open trade regime, aiming to promote exports, attract foreign investment, and support economic growth.

The island has a positive trade balance. According to figures from the  Central Bank, in the first nine months of 2024, Trinidad and Tobago’s net goods trade deficit widened 43.0% to TTD 1,764.6 million due to lower exports and higher imports. Exports fell 9.1% to TTD 7,301.0 million, mainly from a 9.7% drop in energy exports to TTD 5,868.3 million, driven by declines in gas (-25.9%) and petrochemicals (-6.8%) amid lower prices and volumes. Petroleum crude and refined products exports rose 4.5%, supported by higher refined product volumes. Non-energy exports decreased 6.7% to TTD 1,432.7 million. Imports grew by TTD 600.4 million to TTD 5,536.4 million, with fuel imports up 29.4% to TTD 1,284.7 million due to increased refined product imports for regional export, while non-fuel imports rose by TTD 308.5 million to TTD 4,251.6 million. The services account showed a smaller deficit, helped by a TTD 112.4 million rise in non-resident spending, offsetting a TTD 40.6 million increase in payments abroad. Deficits narrowed in business, insurance, pension, and transport services, while the travel surplus grew 12.7% to TTD 312.9 million from higher visitor spending and lower domestic spending abroad.

Main Partner Countries

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 Conventions

Member of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

International Economic Cooperation

Member of CARICOM - Caribbean Community

 

Member of FTAA - Free Trade Area of the Americas

Useful Resources

National Organisation of Intellectual Property

The Intellectual Property Office.

 

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Latest Update: October 2025