Trade deficit jumps $80m as exports drop modestly

BY NEIL HARTNELLTRIBUNE Business Editornhartnell@tribunemedia.netTHE BAHAMAS’ trade deficit increased by $80m year-over-year during the 2026 first quarter due to a slight decrease in exports combined with a 6.4 percent rise in imports. Collectively, these three commodity groups accounted for 58 percent of the merchandise imports. Together, these commodity groups accounted for 31 percent of total merchandise imports during the first quarter of 2026,” it added. In contrast, all other major import commodity groups recorded increases over the same period.” Collectively, these three commodity groups accounted for 74 percent of total merchandise exports during the quarter.