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Looking for an easy way to ship your cargo to Belize?
Choose the best freight forwarder to transport your goods to Belize safely and on time.

Exporting goods to Belize, whether it is for the first time, or on a regular basis, can be a challenging experience. There are many elements to consider when shipping to a country such as Belize.
You are in Canada or the US and not entirely familiar with the Latin American market? You should consider a cargo shipping company that knows the business culture, the customs regulations and has a proven track record of success when it comes to shipping to Belize

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT IN BELIZE?

Regulations in Belize are not only very different from the ones in the US or Canada, communication methods and business etiquette are also very distinct:
● Belize is known for its diverse ethnic heritage. The mixture between Creoles and Latin Americans makes the Belizean society a unique one. A country very different from the other countries in the region. Corporate culture in Belize is a melting pot of Latin American relationship-driven manner, laid-back Caribbean style and British formality. Known as warm and friendly people, Belizeans appreciate personal relationships. Therefore, it is important to develop easy going business “friendships”, as they may be more loyal to you personally rather than to the company you represent.
● Flexibility and spontaneity are also common traits of Belizeans. They have a different perception of time management - often more relaxed - than North American and European businesspeople.
● Due to its ethnic diversity, Belize has the particularity of being a multilingual country. While English is still the official language, Spanish and Belize creole are widely spoken.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT BELIZE (2018)

  • Capital: Belmopan
  • Other Large Cities: Santiago, La Vega, San Cristóbal, San Pedro de Macorís, La Romana
  • Population: 383,071 (Urban Population: 45.7%)
  • Official languages: English
  • Time Zone : GMT - 6
  • Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)

ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT ( Source: IMF - World Bank, 2018)

  • GDP: 1.93 billion USD (GDP Growth: 2.1 % / GDP per capita: 4,862 USD)
  • Inflation Rate: 0.3%
  • Unemployment Rate: 9.4%
  • Total Imports of Goods: 0.958 billion USD
  • FDI Inward Flow: 0.119 billion USD (6,4% of GDP)
  • Ease of Doing Business Score (2019): 125th / 190

WHY DOING BUSINESS WITH BELIZE IS THE RIGHT DECISION

Thanks to the steady growth of its imports in recent years, and to a promising forecast in the years to come, Belize offers a unique and dynamic background for companies looking to expand internationally.

The country’s economic performance has been historically tied to agriculture, mainly fruits and sugar. However, its recent economic development comes from aquaculture, light manufacturing, chemicals and tourism. The latter has brought opportunities to many others such as transport infrastructure and construction.

Belize is an open economy very much dependent on U.S. imports. Its population is particularly fond of American consumer products, generating lots of business openings for North American exporters.

The need for shipping to and from Belize has been increasing exponentially during recent years. With LAC by your side you will reinforce your company’s cargo shipping capability to Belize.
Our experienced professionals are very familiar with the market requirements in Belize which is very important to avoid delays during the importation process. We provide you with all the necessary tools to break into the Belizean market, headache free.

BELIZE TRADE OVERVIEW

  • MAIN IMPORTS: Petroleum, Cigars, Vehicles & parts, Fertilizers, Insecticides, Cement, Telecommunication Equipment, Packaging
  • MAIN EXPORTS: Raw Sugar, Fruits & Vegetables, Crustaceans, Petroleum, Essential Oils, Cigars
  • INDUSTRIES WITH STRONG BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES: Agriculture, Aquaculture, Logistics, Light Manufacturing, Food Processing, Touristic Infrastructures, Machinery & Transportation equipment, Manufactured Goods, Renewable Energies
  • PRINCIPAL TRADING PARTNERS: USA, China, Europe (United Kingdom, Ireland, Netherlands, Germany), Mexico, Panama, Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad & Tobago, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, India

KNOW MORE

What makes us your ideal logistics partner?

Every country in every continent offers a unique mix of laws, guidelines, customs regulations, documentation requirements, controlled or prohibited goods lists, communication norms, and cultural biases. If you want to be successful in penetrating the Belizean market, you will need a logistics partner that understands the Belizean culture, the business landscape and speaks the local language as well.

Our team of experts offer you superior freight forwarding services and the best rates for your cargo shipping to Belize. Our combined experience, extensive knowledge; logistics skills and local connections will help you get started on the right foot and make sure that your goods are transported quickly, safely, and worry-free.

We have your company’s best interests at heart. If you want to be successful in Belize, Latin American Cargo is the best freight forwarding company for you.

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IMPORT AND CUSTOM PARTICULARS

If you are sending merchandise to Belize by sea or air for the first time, guidance and support will surely be needed, as there are guidelines, prohibitions and restrictions to consider.

WHAT PAPERWORK IS NEEDED FOR INTERNATIONAL SHIPMENTS TO BELIZE?


Documentation requirements vary depending on the category of goods being shipped, and can get quite extensive. They usually include: Commercial invoice, Bill of lading / Air waybill, Packing list, Insurance certificate, Certificate of Origin (if required). To avoid delays or hassles when shipping to Belize, your packing list must be as detailed as possible. Vague wording like “miscellaneous” attracts negative attention and further inspections.

WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS WHEN SHIPPING TO BELIZE?


Regulations can be strict on certain categories of goods being imported to Belize. Prior authorization or special permits may be needed for certain items such as live animals, meat, vegetables & fruits, cereals, flour, sugar, spirits, prepared animal fodder, wood, etc. Prohibited commodities include live animals, plants and certain dangerous goods and hazardous products.

Duties and tariffs are usually based on the total value of the shipment in question. Depending on how well-documented the cargo is, those values could be determined by the judgment of Customs Officials on the spot.

Shipping cargo to Belize is easier with LAC as we have overcome these obstacles many times and have developed a thorough understanding of the customs procedures.

MAIN OCEAN PORTS AND CARGO AIRPORTS WHEN SHIPPING TO / FROM BELIZE

  • MAIN OCEAN PORTS: Belize City (BZE)
  • MAIN CARGO AIRPORTS: Belize City

Learn more about our freight shipping services to Belize

Our skills and knowledge in freight forwarding make us your most reliable partner when shipping to Belize.

Looking for the best way to ship to Belize? LAC is your best freight forwarding solution!

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