Imports Up, Exports Down, What Else Is New?

And finally coming out of today's SIB press conference, imports were up by 22.8% while exports dropped by 29.5% in May 2026. Statistician Ronald Orellana explained more.

Ronald Orellana, Statistician II

"Imports in 2026 reached a record high for this period extended the steady upward trend that has been evident since imports declined in 2020."

"The total merchandise imports for the first five months of the yea amounted to $1.375 billion, up 18.7% o 216.4 million dollars when compared to imports to the first five months of 2025."

"The total domestic exports for the first five months of 2026 amounted to $140.6 million, presenting a decrease of 13.5% or 21.9 million compared to the same period in 2025."