Trinidad & Tobago Consumer Spending 2025
$23.6 billion consumer economy — the highest per capita spending in the English Caribbean, powered by energy revenues and a diversifying retail landscape.
Household Budget Breakdown
How Trinidad & Tobago households allocate their $16,800 average annual income
Food & Groceries
Lower ratio than Jamaica
Housing & Utilities
Rent, mortgage, utilities
Transportation
Vehicle-dependent culture
Energy & Fuel
Subsidized fuel prices
Healthcare
Public + private mix
Education
Free public education
Entertainment
Carnival, dining, events
Other
Savings, insurance, misc
Trinidad vs Tobago Comparison
Dual-island consumer spending dynamics and market differences
| Metric | Trinidad | Tobago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1.36M | 62,000 |
| Avg Household Income | $17,400/yr | $13,200/yr |
| Consumer Spending Share | 92% | 8% |
| Retail Density | 1 store per 85 people | 1 store per 120 people |
| Online Shopping Adoption | 24% | 14% |
| Food Spend Share | 30% | 38% |
Retail Channels
Where Trinidad & Tobago consumers shop — modern retail overtaking traditional trade
Supermarkets & Chains
Massy Stores, JTA, PriceSmart
Traditional Parlours
Neighborhood shops, rum shops
Shopping Malls
Trincity, Gulf City, Long Circular
Online & Delivery
iShopTT, MassyCard, apps
Wholesale & Markets
Central Market, wholesale clubs
Year-over-Year Growth
Trinidad & Tobago consumer spending trend 2021–2025
| Year | Total Spending | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $19.4B | +1.8% |
| 2022 | $20.8B | +7.2% |
| 2023 | $21.6B | +3.8% |
| 2024 | $22.4B | +3.7% |
| 2025 | $23.6B | +5.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total consumer spending in Trinidad & Tobago?
Total consumer spending in Trinidad & Tobago reached $23.6 billion USD in 2025, making it the highest per capita consumer market in the English-speaking Caribbean. With a population of approximately 1.4 million, per capita spending averages $16,800 annually.
How does Trinidad consumer spending compare to other Caribbean nations?
Trinidad & Tobago has the highest per capita consumer spending in the English Caribbean at $16,800/year, compared to Jamaica ($5,286) and Barbados ($18,900 but smaller total market). The oil & gas economy provides higher disposable incomes and subsidized energy costs.
What is the impact of oil prices on Trinidad consumer spending?
Oil and gas revenues directly affect government subsidies, employment, and disposable income. When oil prices rise, consumer confidence increases and spending grows 2-3% above baseline. Energy subsidies reduce household fuel costs by an estimated 40%, freeing income for discretionary spending.
How does spending differ between Trinidad and Tobago?
Trinidad accounts for 92% of total consumer spending versus 8% for Tobago. Trinidad households earn $17,400/year vs $13,200 in Tobago. Online shopping adoption is 24% in Trinidad but only 14% in Tobago. Food spending represents a larger share in Tobago (38%) vs Trinidad (30%).
What are the fastest growing consumer categories in Trinidad?
Online retail (+22.6%), health & wellness products (+12.8%), and premium food categories (+8.4%) are growing fastest. Carnival-related spending contributes $320M annually. Home improvement and automotive categories also show strong growth tied to the energy economy.
Related Research
Trinidad & Tobago Market
Full country market research profile
📊T&T Consumer Behavior
Behavioral insights & trends
💰Caribbean Economic Data
GDP, trade & growth by country
🛒Caribbean Retail Analytics
Retail performance data
📋Trinidad Market Research
Research services & methodology
📈Consumer Behavior Data
Regional consumer insights
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