Jamaica’s alumina export value rises to US$132.2 million in Q1

According to the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN), Jamaica's Mining and Quarrying industry recorded a significant 33.6 per cent increase in export earnings during the first quarter of 2024. The sector's earnings climbed to US$148.7 million, up from US$111.3 million in the same period last year.

This growth was primarily driven by a substantial rise in alumina exports, which reached a value of US$132.2 million. This marks a notable increase from the US$89.2 million earned in the first quarter of 2023. Alumina, a key export for Jamaica, played a pivotal role in bolstering the industry's performance.

However, the positive trend in alumina was slightly offset by a decrease in bauxite exports, which fell by 1.9%. The value of bauxite exports for the quarter stood at US$15.3 million. Despite this decline, the sector's overall export earnings remain robust, underscoring the continued and significant role of the mining and quarrying industry in Jamaica's economy.