Despite its status as a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico maintains an active presence in international trade, with significant exports in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, chemicals, electrical machinery, food and beverages, plastics, precision instruments, beverages, rubber products, and machinery and equipment. The United States remains the primary trading partner for most of Puerto Rico's exports, reflecting the close economic ties between the territory and the mainland. Other regional partners, such as the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Costa Rica, also play vital roles in Puerto Rico's export market. These exports contribute to the economic growth and development of Puerto Rico, shaping its role in the global marketplace.
Pharmaceuticals
Pharmaceutical products are the primary exports of Puerto Rico. The territory boasts a robust pharmaceutical industry, with major companies operating manufacturing facilities on the island. With an estimated export value of $38 billion, pharmaceutical products from Puerto Rico find their primary trading partner in the United States.
Medical Devices
Puerto Rico is a significant exporter of medical devices, including surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and prosthetics. This sector holds an export value of approximately $2.5 billion, with the United States serving as the primary trading partner.
Chemicals
Chemical products, such as organic chemicals and plastics, constitute a significant portion of Puerto Rico's exports. The export value for chemicals is approximately $1.5 billion. The primary trading partners for chemical exports from Puerto Rico include the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.
Electrical Machinery and Equipment
Puerto Rico exports various electrical machinery and equipment, including telecommunications equipment and electronic components. This sector's export value is around $1 billion, with the United States, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic being the primary trading partners.
Food and Beverages
Puerto Rico exports a range of food and beverage products, including processed foods, beverages, and agricultural products. This sector holds an export value of approximately $800 million. The closest trading partners for food and beverage exports are the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.
Plastics
Plastic products, including packaging materials and plastic articles, are significant exports from Puerto Rico. The export value for plastics is approximately $600 million. Puerto Rico's primary trading partners in the plastic industry include the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica.
Precision and Optical Instruments
Puerto Rico exports precision instruments and optical equipment, such as cameras, lenses, and medical instruments. This sector holds an export value of around $500 million, with the United States, Canada, and Mexico serving as the primary trading partners.
Beverages (Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic)
The territory exports a range of beverages, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. This sector's export value is approximately $400 million, with the United States and the Dominican Republic being the primary trading partners.
Rubber Products
Puerto Rico exports rubber products, including tires, tubes, and other rubber articles. The export value for rubber products is around $300 million. The United States, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico are the closest trading partners for Puerto Rico's rubber exports.
Machinery and Equipment
Puerto Rico exports various machinery and equipment, including agricultural machinery, construction equipment, and industrial machinery. This sector holds an export value of approximately $250 million. The primary trading partners for machinery and equipment exports from Puerto Rico are the United States, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.