Business & Economy
Queen Conch Season Cut Short by Over Two Months
The Queen Conch (Strombus gigas) season will close more than two months ahead of its scheduled June 30 end date after the production quota for the 2025–2026 fishing season was reached. The quota is set and monitored by the Belize Fisheries Department. Conch lovers can still enjoy the delicacy through the Easter holidays before the closure takes effect, with the season expected to reopen on October 1, 2026.
Business & Economy
Lobster Exports Among Key Drivers of Belize’s Economic Growth in 2025
During a presentation by the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) on March 25th, lobster exports were identified as a major contributor to the national economy's growth in 2025. However, in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, fishermen reported a decline in the number of large lobsters throughout the season.
Business & Economy
Caye International Bank President meets German President during official tour
Caye International Bank (CIB) President Dr. Luigi Wewege recently met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during the latter’s official visit to Panama. President Steinmeier’s regional tour, held from March 16th to 20th, included stops in Panama, Guatemala, and Mexico, focusing on strengthening economic ties, trade, and democratic cooperation.
Business & Economy
Belize-Mexico border disruption eased for cargo transportation
The disruption at the Belize-Mexico border, which had limited the flow of goods into the country, was lifted on March 24th after a meeting among Mexican authorities, brokers, customs agents, and transportation stakeholders. The situation had started affecting businesses in San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, especially those that depend on imports of vegetables, fruits, and other perishable goods from Mexico.
Business & Economy
Belize Records Marginal Inflation Growth of 0.04% in January 2026
The Statistical Institute of Belize released its Consumer Price Index (CPI) for January 2026 on February 25th. The All-Items CPI rose slightly to 119.86, up from 119.81 in January 2025, reflecting a national inflation rate of 0.04%. The survey measures price levels for consumer goods and services nationwide.
Business & Economy
Government Responds to U.S. Congressman’s Letter on Belize’s Investment Climate
Following a letter from the Chairman of the United States House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Brian J. Mast, addressed to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, requesting an assessment of Belize’s investment climate and institutional checks and balances, the Government of Belize formally responded on Thursday, March 12th. In its official note, the government offered its cooperation in assessing Belize’s investment climate.
Business & Economy
Ambergris Caye Sees Nearly $2 Per Gallon Increase in Gas Prices
Fuel prices, including premium and regular gasoline, rose sharply on Friday, March 13th. In San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye, regular gasoline and diesel are the primary fuels used. To date, the price of regular gasoline has increased from $11.50 to $13.44 per gallon. The price of diesel remains at $12.07 per gallon. The increase, affecting the entire country, has been attributed to the ongoing United States and Israel conflict with Iran in the Middle East, which has reportedly impacted global oil markets.
Business & Economy
Decline in Large Lobsters Reported by San Pedro Fishermen
Belize’s 2025–2026 lobster season, which ran from July 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, impacted both commercial fishermen and tour guides offering fishing trips in San Pedro Town. While the season closed without any major issues, the Belize Fisheries Department has not yet released its official statistics for the period.