Puerto Rico exports grew by 3.6% in 2025, gov’t says.

José Luis Rivera, director of the Department of Economic Development and Commerce’s Office of Strategy and Business Intelligence

By THE STAR STAFF

Puerto Rico’s exports grew 3.6% in 2025, a surge that government officials say underscores the island’s expanding role in global supply chains and its strengthened economic footing.

The update was delivered by La Fortaleza Public Affairs Secretary Jean Peña Payano alongside senior officials from the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC) and the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO), who also highlighted broader government initiatives aimed at bolstering manufacturing and trade.

The export gains are tied to Gov. Jenniffer González Colón’s push to reinforce Puerto Rico’s manufacturing and export sectors through reshoring, a strategy aimed at drawing companies back to establish operations on the island. According to DDEC, the results are already apparent: exports climbed to $62.4 billion in 2025, while the island’s trade surplus rose 30%, further establishing Puerto Rico as a strategic platform for advanced manufacturing and international commerce.

José Luis Rivera, director of DDEC’s Office of Strategy and Business Intelligence, reported on En Récord that the $62.4 billion export total represents an increase of $2.1 billion over 2024. The resulting trade surplus of $7.4 billion marks a $1.7 billion year‑over‑year improvement.

“Our sustained export growth confirms that Puerto Rico continues strengthening its productive base and its integration with global supply chains,” Rivera said. “These results validate the efforts to position the island as a strategic center for advanced manufacturing, innovation, and international trade.”

Imports also rose slightly in 2025, totaling $55.0 billion, an increase of 0.8%, or roughly $435 million compared to the prior year. The combined rise in imports and exports contributed to a substantially improved commercial position for Puerto Rico.

To maintain that momentum, DDEC is advancing several initiatives aimed at expanding export opportunities. The 2026 Trade Missions Plan seeks to open new market routes and connect Puerto Rican entrepreneurs with international buyers. Events such as exporter summits are also being held to support the global expansion of local products and services.

Those efforts are supplemented by expanded federal funding through the PromoExport program, which helps small and midsize businesses enter key markets. Puerto Rico is also participating in internationally coordinated trade missions designed to link local firms with additional export and investment opportunities.