# Belize (BZ)

**Capital:** Belmopan  
**Currency:** Belize Dollar (BZD) (BZD)  
**Population:** 410,000 — Older stored figure; source year not documented.  
**Area:** 22,966 km²

> Belize is a small import market in Central America with a Caribbean coastline. Maritime trade runs almost entirely through the Port of Belize City, complemented by the Big Creek deep-water port for bananas and sugar. Air cargo is handled at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE). There is no rail network; domestic transport relies on roads, including to the Guatemalan and Mexican borders. Belize is a CARICOM member, applies the Common External Tariff and clears customs electronically via ASYCUDA World. A General Sales Tax of 12.5 percent applies to imports. Key risks are the hurricane season (June to November) and limited port capacity.

Belize (ISO-Code: BZ) is located in Central America on the Caribbean coast, north of Guatemala and east of Mexico. Politically, the country is a parliamentary democracy within the Commonwealth with the British monarch as head of state. The climate is tropical, characterized by high temperatures, high humidity, and distinct rainy and dry seasons. Economically, Belize relies on agriculture, tourism, fisheries, and services, with tourism and agricultural products making up the largest share of value creation. Foreign trade focuses on exports of sugar, bananas, citrus fruits, and fish, while the country relies heavily on imports of fuels, machinery, and consumer goods. Belize has a limited transit role, mainly through the ports in Belize City, which are central to import and export logistics. The national currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD), which is stable and pegged to the US Dollar. The logistical infrastructure includes roads, ports, and airports that support the movement of goods and people. Due to its geographical location, political stability, and tourist infrastructure, Belize is an important location for trade, logistics, and services in the region.

**Top Import Partners:** US, MX, CN, GT, PA

**Top Export Partners:** US, GB, MX, ES, CA

**Top Import Goods:** Petroleum products, Machinery, Vehicles, Foodstuffs, Construction materials

**Top Export Goods:** Sugar, Bananas, Citrus fruits, Seafood

**Key Airports:**
- [Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/philip-s-w-goldson-international-airport-bze)
- [Caye Caulker Airport (CUK)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/caye-caulker-airport-cuk)
- [Caye Chapel Airport (CYC)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/caye-chapel-airport-cyc)
- [Corozal Airport (CZH)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/corozal-airport-czh)
- [Dangriga Airport (DGA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/dangriga-airport-dga)
- [John Greif II Airport (SPR)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/john-greif-ii-airport-spr)
- [Placencia Airport (PLJ)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/placencia-airport-plj)
- [Punta Gorda Airport (PND)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/punta-gorda-airport-pnd)
- [Sartaneja Airport (SJX)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/sartaneja-airport-sjx)
- [Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport (TZA)](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/sir-barry-bowen-municipal-airport-tza)

## Customs & Import

**Import VAT:** General Sales Tax (GST) 12,5 percent on imports  
**Customs complexity:** medium  
**Customs system:** ASYCUDA World; application of the CARICOM Common External Tariff. Import declared via Customs Declaration C-100 (Single Administrative Document).  
**Customs authority:** [Belize Customs and Excise Department](https://www.customs.gov.bz/)

## Logistics & Risk

**Logistics role:** Small import market and agricultural exporter (sugar, bananas, citrus, seafood)  
**Economic area:** CARICOM  
**Logistics risk:** medium  
**Dangerous goods relevance:** low to medium  
**Pharma/cold chain:** low

## FAQ

### Which customs authority is responsible in Belize?

The Belize Customs and Excise Department. Customs clearance is carried out electronically via the ASYCUDA World system.

### What is the import tax in Belize?

Imports are subject to General Sales Tax (GST) of 12,5 percent, calculated on the CIF value plus duties. In addition, import duties (on average around 20 percent) as well as environmental and Revenue Replacement levies may apply (as of 2026).

### Which documents do I need for an import into Belize?

Required are the Customs Declaration C-100 (SAD), an original commercial invoice, Bill of Lading or Air Waybill, and a packing list. Depending on the goods, an import permit, certificate of origin and BAHA sanitary or phytosanitary certificates may also be needed.

### Through which ports does trade flow?

The Port of Belize City handles around 95 to 98 percent of foreign trade. The deep-water port Big Creek in southern Belize mainly serves bananas, sugar and container cargo.

### Is there an airport for air cargo in Belize?

Yes, the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) near Belize City is the only international airport and has an air cargo terminal with providers such as Amerijet, FedEx and DHL.

### Which trade agreements apply to Belize?

Belize is a member of CARICOM and applies its Common External Tariff. Through the CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (since 2008), preferences exist in trade with the EU.

### What seasonal risks exist for logistics?

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1. June to 30. November, with the main risk from August to October. Storms and heavy rain can cause flooding and delays.

### Is there a rail network in Belize?

No, Belize has no railway network. Domestic transport is carried out exclusively by road, including to the borders with Guatemala and Mexico.

## Sources & Last Verified

- [https://www.customs.gov.bz/](https://www.customs.gov.bz/)
- [https://www.customs.gov.bz/asycuda.html](https://www.customs.gov.bz/asycuda.html)
- [https://bts.gov.bz/gst/](https://bts.gov.bz/gst/)
- [https://trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/belize-import-tariffs](https://trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/belize-import-tariffs)
- [https://trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/belize-import-requirements-and-documentation](https://trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/belize-import-requirements-and-documentation)
- [https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/caribbean_en](https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions/caribbean_en)
- [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ports_of_Belize](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ports_of_Belize)
- [https://portofbigcreek.com/](https://portofbigcreek.com/)

*Last verified: 2026-06-22*

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