…President Ali urges shift toward value-added goods
Guyana’s trade with the United Kingdom has expanded at an exceptional pace over the last four years, almost tripling since 2020. President Dr Irfaan Ali highlighted this rapid climb on Wednesday evening as he addressed a reception for the 5th UK–Guyana Trade Mission.
He noted that what began as a “modest” but growing trade relationship in 2020 accelerated sharply in the years that followed. By 2022, total trade reached £1.134 billion, then £1.3 billion in 2023, before rising to £1.64 billion in 2024, a jump from roughly £587 million in 2020.
UK exports to Guyana in 2024 stood at £773 million, while imports from Guyana amounted to £867 million, placing the UK in a £94 million deficit. Early 2025 data point to continued momentum, with rolling second-quarter figures showing UK imports from Guyana at £679 million and exports at £883 million, giving the UK a £204 million surplus.
Even with the upward trend, the President warned that Guyana’s export basket remains heavily commodity-driven, exposing the country to price swings and limiting long-term value. He stressed the need to move toward manufactured, industrial and value-added goods, a shift he said will require “game-changing investments.”
President Ali outlined several areas where British expertise could help drive that transformation. Energy generation and transmission topped his list, as Guyana pushes to modernise its grid and expand renewable capacity. He also pointed to the emerging industrial and manufacturing sector, emphasising that reliable energy will position Guyana as a future production hub for the Caribbean.
On agriculture, he reiterated the country’s goal of becoming the region’s food centre. This will depend on investments in agro-processing, cold storage, packaging, climate-smart farming and mechanisation, areas where he encouraged UK companies to get involved.
Health, education and social infrastructure were also flagged as priority sectors, with the President noting the need for partners in hospital construction, medical technology, digital platforms and capacity-building. Eco-tourism rounded out the list, as Guyana looks to leverage its forests, rivers and biodiversity for sustainable high-value tourism.
With trade expanding and interest from UK investors growing, President Ali said the next phase of the partnership must focus on long-term projects that diversify exports, build resilience and support Guyana’s broader industrial ambitions.
