(CNS): The total cost of goods imported into the Cayman Islands fell slightly in the first half of 2026 compared to the same time last year. However, importers paid noticeably more in several categories, confirming that higher prices, not higher volumes, are driving the import bill.
According to the latest quarterly trade bulletin published by the Economics and Statistics Office, total imports for January through June fell by 1% compared with the same period in 2025, dropping from $912.1 million to $903.4 million. Non‑petroleum imports fell 4.1%, indicating fewer goods arrived. But petroleum imports surged 22.8%, and the ESO made the reason for this clear.
“This increase was due to higher average prices for all major types of mineral fuel imported,” the ESO said in the report, noting that the same pattern appeared in the April-June quarter. Total imports by cost rose, but the 38% jump in fuel imports was driven by “higher average prices across the major fuel categories, which more than offset reductions in import volumes”.
In other words, Cayman bought less fuel but paid more money for it, as inflation bites in every direction. Food imports fell by 8% in the first half of the year, but prices for many food categories rose globally, meaning people are paying more for less. Consumer goods in general rose 6.7% in Q2, driven mainly by non‑durables, which were up 19.4%.
That category includes everyday household items — another sign of rising costs for basics. Meanwhile, fewer cars are being imported, as that category of goods fell by 17%. Cayman is still importing the bulk of all goods from the United States, but the overall amount fell by 4.2%.
The volume of goods fell in many major categories, but costs have also risen, with figures in this latest report reflecting the cost-of-living crisis, as Cayman’s inflation remains around 5%.