Discusses the distribution network within the country from how products enter to final destination, including reliability and condition of distribution mechanisms, major distribution centers, ports, etc.
Last Published: 7/8/2019

Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI) is located about half an hour from the capital city of Bridgetown.  BGI handles both commercial passenger and freight aircraft and serves as a subregional hub.  Direct flights from North America, Europe, and Latin America facilitate tourist and business travel to other islands of the eastern Caribbean.  The Bridgetown Deep Water Harbor handles daily bulk exports, ocean-going freighters, and containerized cargo vessels, as well as the largest cruise liners that operate in the region.  As of 2017, there were 150 ships registered with a total tonnage in excess of 750,000 tons.  The Barbados Ships registry is the second shipping registry worldwide to receive the Lloyd’s Registry Quality Assurance approval under the Quality Management System Standard ISO 9001.

Wholesalers are the major importers, although some retailers import products directly from manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in the United States, Canada, and Europe.  Usually, retailers only import directly from the United States those goods with a high turnover rate.

Distribution agreements are common because manufacturers often grant countrywide or regional exclusive distribution agreements.  

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.