13% increase in non-traditional agricultural exports amid COVID – 19 pandemic

Guyana has recorded a 13% increase in export of non-traditional agricultural commodities in the first half of 2020 when compared to its corresponding period January to June 2019, amid the COIVD – 19 Pandemic.

For the period January to June 2020, a total of 5,160 tonnes of non-traditional agricultural commodities valued at $1.3 billion or US$6 Million were exported from Guyana.

Of the total non-traditional agricultural exports, 5092 tonnes was shipped representing a 20% increase from 4267 tonnes.  This increase is due to a 3036 tonnes and 153 tonnes increase in the export of dried coconuts and coconut water respectively.

Exports of coconut products such as coconut water, coconut oil, and coconut choka have all shown significant increases when compared to the same period in 2019.

Furthermore, the country saw a 22% increase in Regional exports and a 12% increase in extra-regional exports.

The major Regional export destinations were Barbados, Trinidad, Suriname, and Antigua, while the extra-regional export destinations were the Dominican Republic, USA, Canada, and France.

Meanwhile, 55 tonnes of non-traditional agricultural commodities were sent via air, during the period January to June 2020. The 55 tonnes represents an 81% decline in exports via air when compared to the 296 tonnes sent during the same period in 2019.

The 81% decline is mainly a result of the continued cessation of flights by Caribbean Airlines due to the closure of the international airports as a result of the measures implemented to help mitigate the spread of COVID – 19.

Consequently, there was a decline in the export of commodities such as bora, boulanger, achar, thyme, sweet basil, mangoes, and wiri wiri peppers, which are exported mainly via air to the USA and Canada.

Further, the closure of the Canawaima Ferry Stelling has also directly affected the export of ginger, eddoes, and pineapples to Suriname.

The Guyana Marketing Corporation (GMC), in collaboration with the farmers and exporters, is working aggressively to maintain this trend (increase export) amid the COVID- 19 Pandemic.

Officers will continue to create linkages between buys and sellers of non-agricultural commodities. The ongoing facilitation of the use of the Corporation’s Packaging Facilities will continue.

The table below provides information on the fifteen (15) most exported commodities along with their respective export destinations for the period January to June 2020.