Business & Economy
Government Launches Digital Trade License System Nationwide
The Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development and Local Government launched a digital trade license system on July 31st, introducing a new online process designed to streamline applications across Belize's municipalities and rural authorities. The rollout featured the Trade License Management and Administration System (TRALMAS) and the Community Profile Information System (CPIS).
Business & Economy
San Pedro Fishermen Voice Concerns Over Proposed Fishing Regulations
San Pedro commercial fishermen gathered on Tuesday, August 4th, at 6:30PM at the basketball court in the El Embarcadero area of San Pedro Town to discuss proposed changes to fishing regulations, including new restrictions on lobster shades and other commercial fishing practices. The San Pedro Commercial Fishing Association called the meeting, drawing fishermen, boat operators, and other stakeholders concerned about how the draft regulations could affect their livelihoods.
Business & Economy
Consumer confidence slips as inflation continues to pressure households
Belizeans remained cautious about making major purchases in June 2026 despite improving expectations for the year ahead, as consumer confidence remained below the neutral mark while inflation continued to increase the cost of everyday goods and services. New data released by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) showed that the national Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) slipped slightly during the month, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded a 4.6% annual inflation rate, reflecting higher prices across many essential goods and services.
Business & Economy
Belize’s imports climb 21.3% amid declining exports
Belize's merchandise imports continued to climb in June, while domestic exports declined, according to the Statistical Institute of Belize's (SIB) latest External Trade release. The report highlighted rising imports of fuel, food, and machinery, trends that have contributed to higher costs for businesses and consumers across the country, including on Ambergris Caye. In June alone, merchandise imports reached $275.8 million, representing a 21.3% increase compared to June 2025.
Business & Economy
Public Consultation Examines Proposed Liquor Licensing Reforms
Residents, business owners, and local stakeholders gathered at the San Pedro Lions Den on July 30th for a public consultation on Belize's liquor licensing reform initiatives. The event, hosted by the Ministry of Rural Transformation in collaboration with the San Pedro Town Council, began at 6:30PM and focused on proposed changes to liquor license categories, operating hours, enforcement, governance, and the digital administration of the licensing system.
Business & Economy
BTB’s annual licensing clinic streamlines tour guide renewals
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) hosted its fourth annual Tour Guide Licensing Clinic at SunBreeze Hotel from Tuesday, July 28th to Friday, July 31st, offering new and renewing tour guides the opportunity to complete their licensing requirements in one location. By the end of the first day, the clinic had already assisted 174 guides, putting it on pace to surpass the 194 applicants served during last year's event.
Business & Economy
Belize Connect Business Expo Showcases 43 Businesses
The Belize Connect Business Expo 2026 brought together 43 businesses from across the country at Grand Caribe on Saturday, July 18. Held from 11AM to 5PM under the theme "Bridging Businesses for Collective Success," the event provided exhibitors with an opportunity to showcase their products and services while connecting with potential clients and business partners.
Business & Economy
June Overnight Tourism Arrivals Decline 5%; San Pedro Continues to Lead Belize’s Tourism Market
Belize recorded 41,940 overnight visitor arrivals in June 2026, according to the Belize Tourism Board's (BTB) latest Tourism Performance Dashboard. While the figure represents a 5.0% decline compared to June 2025, the data continues to highlight the country's reliance on the North American market and the importance of San Pedro as one of Belize's leading tourism destinations.
Business & Economy
Chicken Prices Rise Again as Production Costs Continue to Climb
Consumers across Belize will once again pay more for chicken after the Belize Poultry Association (BPA) announced a 12-cent-per-pound increase, effective Monday, July 6th. The adjustment comes just four months after a six-cent increase implemented in March, bringing the total increase this year to 18 cents per pound. According to the BPA, the latest price adjustment is necessary due to the continued rise in production costs, including higher prices for feed ingredients and fuel.
Business & Economy
PUC Maintains BEL Electricity Rates, Rejects Automatic Monthly Tariff Adjustments
The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has maintained Belize Electricity Limited's (BEL) current base electricity rates for the 2026-2027 tariff period while declining the utility's request to introduce automatic monthly rate adjustments. Instead, the Commission will evaluate the proposal through a closely monitored Regulatory Sandbox before considering its wider implementation.
Business & Economy
Belize Sugar Crop Ends Early, Falls Short of One Million-Ton Target
The 2026 sugar cane crop in northern Belize officially ended on June 20th after producing approximately 815,000 tons of cane, well below the industry's one-million-ton target. Industry officials have described the harvest as the lowest in more than three decades, citing unfavorable weather, labor shortages, and reduced cane availability.