Jamaica Industry Sectors

By: EconomyWatch Content   Date: 24 March 2010

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Jamaica has a mixed economy with both state-owned enterprises and private businesses operating in various industries. The country’s industrial segment is a highly productive one with 30% contribution to the GDP, while employing only 18% of the population. Jamaica’s tourism and mining industries are major sources of foreign exchange inflows to the country. Other major industries are agro processing, light manufacturers, rum, cement, metal, paper, chemical products and telecommunications. Jamaica’s government has been continuously introducing several structural reforms for enhancing private sector’s participation in various economic segments. Jamaica’s vulnerability to natural disasters and its high public debt limit the scope for further investments in enhancing its infrastructure. 

Jamaica Industry Sectors: Jamaica Industries

The economy of Jamaica is largely dependant on sectors, such as mining, tourism, sugar, cement, tobacco processing and flour milling. Since the 1960s, the country’s industrial sector has been outperforming the agricultural sector. Major agricultural products include sugarcane, banana, ginger, citrus fruits, cocoa, tobacco and coffee. Sugarcane is, however, the most important exported product for Jamaica.

Jamaica’s mining industry accounts for only one-tenth of its GDP, while employing only a fraction of its population. Bauxite and alumina are exported in big quantities while silica sand is exploited and used locally to make glass containers. A significant proportion of gypsum mined in the country is used for exports, while cement is used largely in the country’s local construction industry.

The country’s manufacturing segment includes processing units for sugar, rum and molasses, textile units, and metal products and fabrication units. Besides, the country also has several printing, chemical, cement and clay products manufacturing facilities. Jamaica does not have any oil resources and imports petroleum for all its energy needs including generation of electric power. Apart from these, the country has several underdeveloped industrial and commercial activities. Jamaica’s construction industry, however, is a well developed one.

Jamaica’s tourist industry has continued to flourish due to its proximity to North American tourist venues and its scenic beauty, warm climate, and white sand beaches. Tourism industry is also a major contributor to the country’s foreign exchange. Other Jamaican service industries include computer software, data processing, printing, insurance and education.


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