Merchandise imports grew for the second quarter of 2026

The total value of the merchandise imports grew by 7.5 percent to $466.88 million in the second quarter of 2026. This growth reflected increases in both petroleum-related and non-petroleum imports during the review period.

Non-petroleum imports amounted to $392.36 million, an increase of 3.1 percent. Imports of commodities and transactions not classified elsewhere grew by 120.1 percent, reflecting a 382.1 percent increase in non-monetary gold. Imports of chemicals and related products increased by 5.0 percent while the 4.1 percent increase in purchases of miscellaneous manufactured articles was due to the larger importation of travel goods, handbags and footwear. Imports of crude materials, inedible, except fuels increased by 42.6 percent which largely reflected higher imports of crude fertilizers and crude rubber. Imports of beverages and tobacco grew by 7.6 percent for the second quarter due to growth in imports of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages while the 10.9 percent growth in tobacco and tobacco manufactures reflected the larger importation of cigarettes.

In contrast, imports of machinery and transport equipment such as road vehicles, food and live animals, and manufactured goods classified chiefly by material recorded reduced imports of 12.1 percent, 2.3 percent, and 1.8 percent, respectively, for the second quarter of 2026. Petroleum and petroleum-related imports increased by 38.0 percent to reach $74.53 million, largely reflecting higher prices of fuel imported during the April to June 2026 quarter.

More information on “The Cayman Islands’ Quarterly Trade Statistics Bulletin: April to June 2026” is available at www.eso.ky.