Kingstown, St. Vincent – April 27, 2026: St. Vincent and the Grenadines imported approximately US$79.4 million in goods in 2024 from Trinidad and Tobago, according to figures cited by OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules.
Dr. Jules made the disclosure while addressing the Ninth Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs, using the data to illustrate the economic importance of regional trade and the collective market power of OECS member states.
He said Trinidad and Tobago remains one of St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ leading suppliers of fuel, food products, and manufactured goods.
According to Dr. Jules, OECS countries collectively import an estimated US$400 million to US$700 million in goods annually from Trinidad and Tobago, making the sub-region one of its most stable regional export markets.
He argued that while individual member states may appear small, together they represent a strategically important economic bloc capable of negotiating more beneficial trade relationships.
“The OECS is not merely a collection of small markets, but a strategic demand block,” Jules said.
He added that stronger regional cooperation could help rebalance trade relationships and reduce dependence on traditional external partners.