Jamaica is situated in the heart of the Caribbean. Its closest neighbours are Cuba to the north and Hispaniola (Haiti/Dominican Republic) to the east. A member of the British Commonwealth, Jamaica became an independent nation in August 1962. Kingston, the capital city, and commercial center, is located in the south eastern part of the country. Montego Bay, the second largest city and a major tourist destination, is in the north west. 

Fast Facts

Capital City: Kingston
President: Percival James Patterson
Official Language: English
Currency: Jamaican Dollar
Exchange Rate: J$60 = US$1 (approximately)
Land Area: 11,424 square kilometers
Population: 2,600,000 inhabitants
Climate: Tropical

International Airports: Norman Manley International Airport (Kingston), Sangster International Airport (Montego Bay).

Major Ports: Kingston and Montego Bay.

Trade Highlights

• Imports = $5.784 billion f.o.b. (2007 est.)
• The United States is Jamaica's primary trading partner with 39% of imports coming from the United States in 2007.
• Proximity, quality and the use of the same language have encouraged Jamaican business people to purchase from the United States.
• Jamaica operates a Common External Tariff (CET) along with other trading partners of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Goods imported from third countries are subject to the duties listed in the CET but goods imported from CARICOM countries and are certified to be of CARICOM origin do not generally attract these import duties.

Economic Outlook

• GDP (PPP) = $20.67 billion (2007 est.) with economic growth rates of 1.4% in 2005, 2.5% in 2006 and 1.5% in 2007.
• The Jamaican economy is heavily dependent on services, which now account for more than 60% of GDP.
• The country continues to derive most of its foreign exchange from tourism, remittances, and bauxite/alumina. Remittances account for nearly 20% of GDP and are equivalent to tourism revenues.
• The country has made remarkable progress in the areas of financial sector reform and reform of the social sectors including safety nets, HIV/AIDS prevention and control, and education. For example, enrollment of children aged 3-5 from the poorest quintile rose from 80 percent in 1998 to 90 percent in 2000. The Government is working to improve the quality of education.
• Inflation has declined, standing at about 7% at the end of 2007.

Best Prospects

• Building Products
• Telecommunications Equipment
• Safety and Security Equipment
• Drugs/Pharmaceuticals
• Automotive Parts and Service Equipment
• Tourism-related Activities
• Non-traditional Agriculture and Agribusiness
• Information and Communications Technology

"Your Connection to Jamaica"

Whether your company is looking to enter Jamaica for the first time or expand your sales into this market, we can help you succeed! 

Our Caribbean Regional Office provides counseling on market entry/expansion, identification of potential business partners, matchmaking appointments, market research, due dilligence reports, promotional events and other customized services. 

Learn more about Our Services for U.S. Companies, or Contact Us.