USD 37.80·EUR 42.10

Doing business with China

China supplied USD 541 million worth of goods to Suriname in 2025, more than the United States: machinery, vehicles, steel, electronics and furniture. Suriname sold USD 40 million, mainly timber and fish. For most Surinamese businesses China is therefore a sourcing market.

Exports from Suriname (2025)
USD 39.6 million
Chinese customs via UN Comtrade
Imports into Suriname (2025)
USD 541.1 million
Chinese customs via UN Comtrade
Trade regime
No agreement
China's normal WTO rate
On this page (12)
In short
  • Chinese figures: exports to Suriname rose from USD 363 million (2024) to USD 541 million (2025).
  • No trade agreement: Surinamese exports pay China's normal tariff, and food exporters must be registered with Chinese customs (GACC).
  • When buying in China, the key is supplier checks, clear Incoterms and a pre-shipment inspection.
  • The bauxite agreement with Chinalco (Bakhuis) was contested in 2025; its status is uncertain.

Trade in figures

According to Chinese customs (via UN Comtrade), China exported USD 541.1 million to Suriname in 2025, up from USD 363.3 million in 2024. The largest items in 2025: machinery (USD 116 million), vehicles (USD 74 million), steel articles (USD 50 million), electrical equipment (USD 46 million) and plastics (USD 39 million).

China bought USD 39.6 million from Suriname in 2025: timber (USD 32.1 million, mainly logs) and fish (USD 6.6 million). In 2024 the figure was USD 61.0 million. Suriname's own figures for 2023 show USD 166.6 million of imports from China; the gap is due to shipping via third countries, CIF versus FOB and timing.

Amounts in US dollars. Because Suriname does not report most of its exports (gold) by country, we use the partner country's figures: its imports from Suriname are Suriname's exports, its exports to Suriname are Suriname's imports. Imports usually include freight and insurance (CIF) and exports do not (FOB), so the two sides always differ somewhat.

Trade agreements and duties

Suriname has no trade agreement with China. Surinamese goods pay the normal rate China gives all WTO members. When you import from China, you pay the normal Surinamese import duty, VAT and any other charges in Suriname; there is no preference.

How rules of origin, certificates and preferential rates work is explained in Trade agreements and market access.

Market access in practice

Anyone who wants to export food (including fish) to China must be registered as a foreign producer with Chinese customs (General Administration of Customs, GACC). For some product groups this goes through the competent authority in Suriname. Timber is subject to phytosanitary requirements. Chinese buyers usually work with prepayment or a letter of credit (L/C) and buy in large volumes.

For sourcing: ask your supplier for its business licence, get samples, agree the Incoterm and quality requirements in writing and have the goods inspected by an independent firm before shipment. Work out your landed cost with duty, VAT and freight before you order.

Transport and travel

There is no direct liner service between China and Suriname: containers are transhipped en route, for example in the Caribbean or Northern Europe. Ask your forwarder about the route, the transhipment port and the total lead time. Air freight goes via Amsterdam, Miami or Panama.

Flights and sailing schedules change often. Check them with the airline or your forwarder before you plan. Shipping and logistics · Business trip to Suriname

Embassies and consulates

China has had an embassy in Paramaribo since 1977; Suriname has an embassy in Beijing. The Chinese embassy is the first point of contact for trade and investment questions about China.

Addresses and opening hours of Suriname's missions are on the official site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: embassies.gov.sr.

Chambers, networks and support

We could not confirm an official Suriname-China chamber of commerce. Many Chinese-Surinamese entrepreneurs in wholesale, supermarkets and construction have their own networks and associations. The large trade fair in Guangzhou (Canton Fair) is held twice a year and is a common place to meet suppliers.

Large Chinese investments go through government agreements. In late 2024 the government signed an agreement with the Aluminum Corporation of China (Chinalco) for bauxite mining in the Bakhuis area in western Suriname: an investment of USD 426 million, a 13% stake for the state and a term of 30 years. The agreement required approval by the National Assembly. Economists and the business community strongly criticised its tax exemptions in early 2025. As of 26 October 2026 we could not confirm whether the project is going ahead.

In Suriname, SITA (export and investment promotion), the KKF and EZOTI can help. Business organisations are listed in Business associations.

Opportunities

  • Direct sourcing of building materials, machinery, solar panels and packaging, without a middleman.
  • Export of legally sourced timber, possibly processed in Suriname for more added value.
  • Fish and seafood for the Chinese market, if your establishment is registered with GACC.

These are possibilities that fit the trade between the two countries, not a promise of customers. Test an idea first with conversations, samples and numbers. Market research

Watch out for

  • Fraud with fake suppliers and changed bank details: call your supplier on a known number before you pay.
  • Quality and standards: electrical goods and building materials must meet Surinamese and international standards.
  • Customs checks the declared value; an under-invoiced shipment leads to extra assessment and a fine.

How to start

  1. Test the market. Look at the figures above to see what is already traded, and talk to at least three buyers or suppliers. Market research
  2. Determine the HS code and the tariff. Look up the import duty in the destination country, and whether you can get a preference. Trade agreements and market access
  3. Meet the requirements. Certificate of origin, phytosanitary or health certificate, label and any registration of your business. Exporting from Suriname
  4. Agree delivery and payment. Choose an Incoterm, a payment method (prepayment, L/C) and the currency. Accepting payments
  5. Work out the total cost. Freight, insurance, duties and margin. Price and markup · Import cost calculator
  6. Start with a trial shipment and keep all documents per shipment. Proforma invoice

Guides that help next

Other countries

Sources

Checked on 26 October 2026. General information, not legal or customs advice. Have tariffs and requirements confirmed per shipment.