Check my company
Made here

The twenty imports Jamaica is best placed to replace.

Jamaica imported USD 4.1bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 772m. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 528mthe twenty, imported in 2024
28products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
211products Jamaica already exports well
81product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Jamaica already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Jamaica would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Jamaica does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Iron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or hot-extruded, containing indentations, ribs, grooves...HS 721420

    Comes fromTurkey 80%, 2 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFerrous waste and scrap: n.e.c. in heading no. 7204 (exports USD 13m)
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 8 of 8: import bill USD 53m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 10 per cent (3); Turkey supplies 80 per cent (2).

    USD 53mdown 59% on 2022
  2. 2

    Oil-cake and other solid residues: whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of...HS 230400

    Comes fromUnited States 100%, 1 source country
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well18

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 56m, top 7 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); United States supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 56mdown 19% on 2022
  3. 3

    Cement: portland, other than white, whether or not artificially colouredHS 252329

    Comes fromDominican Republic 77%, 6 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPebbles, gravel, broken or crushed stone: of a kind commonly used... (exports USD 6m)
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well54

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 21m, top 36 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 2 per cent (3); Dominican Republic supplies 77 per cent (2).

    USD 21mdown 7% on 2022
  4. 4

    Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses...HS 300490

    Comes fromIndia 47%, 27 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMeat preparations: sausages and similar products, of meat, meat...
    Exports of this lineUSD 2m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 51m, top 10 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 35 per cent (1); India supplies 47 per cent (1).

    USD 51mdown 59% on 2022
  5. 5

    Sugars: sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matterHS 170199

    Comes fromGuatemala 54%, 8 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSugars: cane sugar, raw, in solid form, other than as specified in... (exports USD 4m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 107k
    Countries that export it well44

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 47m, top 12 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 17 per cent (2); Guatemala supplies 54 per cent (1).

    USD 47mup 12% on 2022
  6. 6

    Wood: coniferous species, of pine (Pinus spp.), sawn or chipped lengthwise, sliced or peeled, whether or not planed...HS 440711

    Comes fromUnited States 97%, 6 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well22

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 35m, top 17 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 28 per cent (1); United States supplies 97 per cent (2).

    USD 35mdown 24% on 2022
  7. 7

    Plastics: carboys, bottles, flasks and similar articles, for the conveyance or packing of goodsHS 392330

    Comes fromTurkey 37%, 30 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the... (exports USD 1m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 36k; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 27m
    Countries that export it well47

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 38m, top 14 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2).

    USD 38mdown 34% on 2022
  8. 8

    Iron or steel: structures and parts thereof, n.e.c. in heading 7308HS 730890

    Comes fromChina 49%, 23 source countries
    Nearest export strengthCans: which are to be closed by soldering or crimping, for any... (exports USD 283k)
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well33

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 27m, top 21 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 36 per cent (1); China supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 27mdown 3% on 2022
  9. 9

    Plastics: tableware and kitchenwareHS 392410

    Comes fromChina 70%, 24 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: boxes, cases, crates and similar articles for the... (exports USD 1m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 70k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 12m
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 23m, top 31 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 42 per cent (1); China supplies 70 per cent (2).

    USD 23mdown 20% on 2022
  10. 10

    Plywood: consisting only of sheets of wood (not bamboo), each ply 6mm or thinner, with both outer plies of coniferous...HS 441239

    Comes fromBrazil 81%, 4 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well23

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 22m, top 33 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); Brazil supplies 81 per cent (2).

    USD 22mdown 16% on 2022
  11. 11

    Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any materialHS 961900

    Comes fromChina 66%, 12 source countries
    Nearest export strengthJuices: mixtures of fruits or vegetables (but not nut juice)...
    Exports of this lineUSD 303k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 19m, top 42 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 26 per cent (1); China supplies 66 per cent (2).

    USD 19mdown 16% on 2022
  12. 12

    Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more persons, including driver), with only compression-ignition...HS 870210

    Comes fromJapan 67%, 7 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading... (exports USD 377k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 72k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 15m
    Countries that export it well30

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 18m, top 46 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); Japan supplies 67 per cent (2).

    USD 18mup 78% on 2022
  13. 13

    Washing and cleaning preparations: powders, flakes and granules, surface-active, whether or not containing soap...HS 340250

    Comes fromChina 47%, 14 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMeat preparations: sausages and similar products, of meat, meat...
    Exports of this lineUSD 266k
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 17m, top 48 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); China supplies 47 per cent (1).

    USD 17mup 33% on 2022
  14. 14

    Dog or cat food: (not put up for retail sale), used in animal feedingHS 230990

    Comes fromUnited States 28%, 14 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10
    Exports of this lineUSD 552k
    Countries that export it well48

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 23m, top 32 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 11 per cent (2).

    USD 23mup 12% on 2022
  15. 15

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectorsHS 854449

    Comes fromChina 46%, 22 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWaste and scrap of lead-acid accumulators: spent lead-acid... (exports USD 4m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 151k
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 19m, top 41 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 40 per cent (1); China supplies 46 per cent (1).

    USD 19mup 1% on 2022
  16. 16

    Fish preparations: sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not...HS 160413

    Comes fromCanada 69%, 3 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMeat preparations: of the poultry of heading no. 0105, (i.e. of... (exports USD 3m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 29k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 15m
    Countries that export it well19

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 14m, top 65 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1); Canada supplies 69 per cent (2).

    USD 14mdown 13% on 2022
  17. 17

    Food preparations: obtained by the swelling or roasting of cereals or cereal productsHS 190410

    Comes fromUnited States 42%, 13 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: bakers' wares n.e.c. in heading no. 1605, whether... (exports USD 29m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 16k
    Countries that export it well36

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 12m, top 80 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 20 per cent (2); United States supplies 42 per cent (1).

    USD 12mdown 9% on 2022
  18. 18

    Vehicles: break-down lorries, road-sweepers, spraying lorries, mobile workshops, mobile radiological units, and other...HS 870590

    Comes fromUnited States 74%, 6 source countries
    Nearest export strengthVehicles: bodies (including cabs) for the motor vehicles of heading... (exports USD 377k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 250k
    Countries that export it well26

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 12m, top 83 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 49 per cent (1); United States supplies 74 per cent (2).

    USD 12mup 155% on 2022
  19. 19

    Furniture: plasticHS 940370

    Comes fromUnited Kingdom 64%, 16 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this lineUSD 1k; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 24m
    Countries that export it well21

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 11m, top 93 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); United Kingdom supplies 64 per cent (2).

    USD 11mup 336% on 2022
  20. 20

    Surveying equipment: articles n.e.c. in heading no. 9015, including hydrographic, oceanographic, hydrological...HS 901580

    Comes fromFrance 93%, 14 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMathematical equipment: micrometers, callipers and gauges (exports USD 37k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 10k
    Countries that export it well27

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 11m, top 94 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Jamaica's export strengths in the top 41 per cent (1); France supplies 93 per cent (2).

    USD 11mfrom USD 345k in 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Jamaica already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Food preparations: n.e.c. in item no. 2106.10 imports USD 94m, exports USD 12m, top source Netherlands 31%
  • Undenatured ethyl alcohol: of an alcoholic strength by volume of 80% vol. or... imports USD 49m, exports USD 7m, top source United States 96%
  • Motorboats: (other than outboard motorboats), for pleasure or sports, other... imports USD 26m, exports USD 8m, top source Italy 100%
  • Meat preparations: of bovine animals, meat or meat offal, prepared or... imports USD 14m, exports USD 240k, top source Brazil 97%
  • Soups and broths and preparations therefor imports USD 15m, exports USD 4m, top source United States 82%
  • Food preparations: sweet biscuits, whether or not containing cocoa imports USD 12m, exports USD 1m, top source Barbados 33%
  • Spirits, liqueurs and other spirituous beverages: n.e.c. in heading no. 2208 imports USD 12m, exports USD 2m, top source United States 58%
  • Fruit, nuts and other edible parts of plants: prepared or preserved, whether... imports USD 20m, exports USD 11m, top source Costa Rica 58%
  • Waters: including mineral and aerated, containing added sugar or other... imports USD 11m, exports USD 7m, top source United States 29%
  • Non-alcoholic beverages: other than non-alcoholic beer, n.e.c. in item no.... imports USD 14m, exports USD 12m, top source United States 71%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 81 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

Want the Jamaica edition kept current?

Leave an address and each new edition comes to you as the record moves. Tick the box if you would want the next layer for Jamaica: which public bodies buy each line, once that record is readable.

Your address is used to send this list and its later editions, nothing else. Privacy

Run a company? Check it against the developments BuzzBaboon follows, free.