USD 37.80·EUR 42.10

Doing business with Jamaica

Jamaica is one of the few countries where Suriname sells more than it buys: USD 63 million in 2025, mainly fish and rice. Within CARICOM, Jamaica is an important buyer of Surinamese rice. A trade mission in May 2024 brought companies from both countries together.

Exports from Suriname (2025)
USD 62.8 million
Jamaican figures via UN Comtrade
Imports into Suriname (2025)
USD 5.9 million
Jamaican figures via UN Comtrade
Trade regime
CARICOM
no duty on goods of CARICOM origin
On this page (12)
In short
  • Jamaica bought USD 24.2 million of Surinamese rice in 2024 and USD 44.7 million of fish in 2025.
  • CARICOM: no duty with a certificate of origin and a CARICOM invoice.
  • No direct flight; travel via Miami, Panama or Port of Spain.
  • Export agency JAMPRO organised a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname in May 2024.

Trade in figures

According to Jamaican figures (UN Comtrade), Jamaica bought USD 62.8 million from Suriname in 2025: fish and shellfish (USD 44.7 million) and cereals (USD 15.9 million). In 2024 rice imports from Suriname were USD 24.2 million and fish imports over USD 33 million. Jamaica supplied USD 5.9 million to Suriname in 2025. During the 2024 trade mission, Suriname's Minister of Economic Affairs called the trade volume modest, with room to grow.

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

Both countries are members of CARICOM and the CSME. Surinamese rice and fish of CARICOM origin enter Jamaica duty free, with a CARICOM certificate of origin and CARICOM invoice. This gives Surinamese rice an edge over rice from outside the region, which pays CARICOM's Common External Tariff (CET).

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

Market access in practice

Jamaica (about 2.8 million people) is English-speaking and imports a lot of staple food. Buyers are large importers and wholesalers in Kingston. For some farm products Jamaica requires an import permit; have your buyer arrange it before you ship. Fish and meat need a veterinary certificate, plants and grains a phytosanitary certificate.

Transport and travel

There was no direct flight between Paramaribo and Kingston in the October 2026 departure list; travellers go via Miami, Panama or Port of Spain. Rice and frozen fish go by container, usually with transhipment. Ask your forwarder about reefer containers and lead time.

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

Suriname and Jamaica have no embassies in each other's capitals. During the 2024 trade mission Suriname proposed an MoU to reduce trade barriers and simplify customs procedures.

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

JAMPRO (Jamaica Promotions Corporation) is Jamaica's investment and export agency. The mission of 12 to 18 May 2024, led by Minister Aubyn Hill, visited Guyana and Suriname; 38 Jamaican companies were interested in Suriname, in technology, manufacturing, agribusiness, business services, logistics and mining. In Paramaribo there were more than a hundred B2B meetings.

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

Opportunities

  • Rice: regular contracts with Jamaican importers, with consistent quality and reliable supply.
  • Fish and seafood, fresh or frozen.
  • Importing Jamaican foods, sauces and drinks for the Surinamese market.
  • Cooperation in BPO and creative industries; Jamaica has a large outsourcing sector.

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

  • Rice prices follow the world market: agree price formulas and delivery terms clearly.
  • No direct link: allow for transhipment and longer lead times.

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.