Caribbean Logistics Market 2024: $4.8B Industry Analysis
Shipping, air freight, and supply chain data, key ports, trade routes, and supply chain challenges across the Caribbean.
$4.8B
Total Market
(ECLAC, World Bank, 2024)
5.2%
CAGR 2019 to 2024
(ECLAC, 2024)
For a segment-level breakdown of the Caribbean logistics market, see our Caribbean logistics market analysis.
Key Ports
Major Caribbean ports by container throughput
| Port | Country | Volume | Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port of Kingston | 🇯🇲 Jamaica | 1.82M TEUs | Transshipment hub |
| Caucedo | 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic | 1.45M TEUs | Free trade zone |
| Freeport Container Port | 🇧🇸 Bahamas | 1.38M TEUs | Transshipment |
| Port of Spain | 🇹🇹 Trinidad | 520K TEUs | Regional distribution |
| San Juan | 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico | 480K TEUs | US trade gateway |
| Bridgetown | 🇧🇧 Barbados | 95K TEUs | Eastern Caribbean hub |
Source: Port Authority of Jamaica, ECLAC Maritime Bulletin, Hutchison Ports, national port authorities, 2024. TEU figures are estimated based on published throughput data and industry reports.
Supply Chain Challenges
Key obstacles facing Caribbean logistics and supply chain operations
Island Fragmentation
Serving 21 Caribbean and Latin American markets with different customs, regulations, and limited infrastructure creates costly complexity
Hurricane Disruption
Annual hurricane season (June-November) disrupts shipping routes, damages port infrastructure, and causes supply shortages
Import Dependence
The region imports the large majority of consumed goods, making supply chains vulnerable to global disruptions and price shocks
Cold Chain Gaps
Limited refrigerated storage and transport capacity constrains fresh food distribution and pharmaceutical logistics
E-Commerce Last Mile
Addressing systems, road quality, and sparse populations make last-mile delivery costly in many Caribbean markets
Customs & Compliance
Varying customs procedures, tariff structures, and documentation requirements across Caribbean nations slow goods movement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Caribbean logistics market size in 2024?
The Caribbean logistics and freight market is an estimated US$4.8 billion, growing at a 5.2% compound annual growth rate from 2019 (ECLAC, World Bank, 2024). The Dominican Republic and Jamaica are the largest national markets.
Which Caribbean ports handle the most freight?
Kingston (Jamaica), Caucedo (Dominican Republic), and Freeport (Bahamas) lead Caribbean container throughput. Individual port volumes are shown in the Key Ports table on this page.
What is driving Caribbean logistics market growth?
Caribbean logistics growth is driven by e-commerce expansion, nearshoring activity benefiting the Dominican Republic, cruise tourism recovery, and infrastructure investment from CDB and IDB-funded port modernisation projects.
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