Jamaica Q1 exports fall 22% as Statin reports weaker trade and BOJ tightens liquidity

Jamaica earned US$376.6 million from exports between January and March 2026, a 22.3 per cent decline compared with the same quarter last year, even as import spending stayed far higher than export receipts.

Figures from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) put total imports for the period at US$1.8 billion, down 1.3 per cent from the first quarter of 2025. Statin said the softer import bill reflected reduced spending on consumer goods and on fuels and lubricants, which fell 2.4 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. A 48.7 per cent drop in the value of crude materials excluding fuels was the main driver behind the overall decline.

The Bank of Jamaica is scheduled to withdraw another J$35 billion from circulation on Wednesday through a 5.75 per cent certificate of deposit, part of its programme to manage financial-system liquidity. The instrument, the central bank's primary liquidity tool, matures on 24 July.

On the Jamaica Stock Exchange for the trading session of 24 June 2026, Kenture Holdings Jamaica Limited led turnover with 17,570,074 units traded, accounting for 37.43 per cent of market sales. JMMB Group Limited followed with 13,736,913 units, or 29.27 per cent of activity, while Trans Jamaican Highway Limited recorded 3,684,419 units, representing 7.85 per cent. Trading remained concentrated in transportation and distribution stocks, pointing to sustained appetite for dividend-paying and strategically positioned assets.

Foreign-exchange activity on the same date, based on Bank of Jamaica data, showed strong demand across major currencies. The US dollar sold at $158.19, with buying rates reflecting steady market liquidity. The Canadian dollar sold for $112.25 and was bought at $110.98, supported by moderate gains and roughly $1.17 transaction spreads. The British pound sold at $210.87 amid continued volatility that offered short-term trading opportunities, with banks capturing spreads of about $6.88. Currency movements highlight how timing and exchange-rate awareness affect import costs, debt servicing, and overseas exposure for businesses.