Georgetown, Guyana – Guyana has strengthened its position as a leading exporter in the Caribbean, accounting for 62 per cent of the region’s total goods exports in 2025, according to the latest report from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The country recorded US$23.2 billion in goods exports last year, representing a 20.8 per cent increase compared with 2024. The expansion was largely driven by the continued growth of Guyana’s petroleum industry, which has significantly reshaped its trade performance.
The findings are contained in the IDB’s 2026 Trade and Integration Monitor, which examines trade trends and investment activity across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Exports Continue to Grow in 2026
Guyana’s export performance remained strong during the first half of 2026, with goods exports increasing by a further 28.9 per cent.
This growth contributed to a 19.1 per cent increase in overall Caribbean exports during the same period. The IDB identified Guyana and Suriname as the region’s principal contributors to export expansion, highlighting the growing influence of petroleum production on Caribbean trade.
Foreign Investment Records Significant Growth
The report also highlighted a substantial increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) entering Guyana.
Average annual FDI inflows rose from US$254 million during 2012 to 2014 to approximately US$8.281 billion between 2023 and 2025.
As a share of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), annual investment inflows increased from 6.2 per cent to 37.4 per cent over the respective periods.
Guyana also accounted for 78.1 per cent of the increase in foreign investment inflows across the Caribbean, with the oil industry identified as the principal driver.
Meanwhile, the country’s accumulated foreign investment stock increased from US$2.552 billion in the earlier period to US$34.252 billion between 2023 and 2025.
IDB Highlights Risks Associated with Oil Dependence
While recognising Guyana’s strong trade and investment performance, the IDB highlighted the importance of managing the country’s exposure to international commodity price fluctuations.
With petroleum accounting for an increasing share of regional exports, changes in global oil prices could have a significant impact on Guyana’s trade performance.
Between January and August 2026, movements in commodity prices generated a positive impact on Guyana’s trade balance equivalent to 8.3 per cent of GDP.
The report also recorded a 27.6 per cent decline in Guyana’s goods imports during the first half of 2026, following a 41.3 per cent increase in 2025. The decline was partly influenced by an unusually high comparison base, including exceptionally elevated imports in May 2025.
Guyana Strengthens Its Regional Economic Position
The IDB’s findings highlight the scale of Guyana’s growing contribution to Caribbean trade, supported by expanding petroleum production and rising foreign investment.
As the country continues its economic transformation, managing exposure to commodity price movements will remain important to sustaining growth and strengthening its position in regional and international markets.