Economy of Jamaica

Agricultural production is an important contributor to Jamaica's economy. However, it is vulnerable to extreme weather events such as hurricanes and faces competition from neighboring countries like the USA. Farmers also contend with thefts from their farms, known as praedial larceny. Agricultural production accounted for 7.4% of GDP in 1997, providing employment for nearly a quarter of the country. Jamaica's agriculture, forestry, and fishing sectors combined accounted for about 6.6% of GDP in 1999. Sugar has been a mainstay of Jamaica's agricultural exports for centuries, produced in nearly every parish.<br>Sugar formed 7.1% of the exports in 1999 and Jamaica made up about 4.8% of the total production of sugar in the Caribbean. Sugar is also used for the production of by-products such as molasses, rum and some wallboard is made from bagasse.

The fishing industry grew during the 1900s, primarily from the focus on inland fishing. Several thousand fishermen make a living from fishing. The shallow waters and cays off the south coast are richer than the northern waters. Other fishermen live on the Pedro Cays, 80 miles to the south of Jamaica. Jamaica supplies about half of its fish requirements; major imports of frozen and salted fish are imported from the United States and Canada.<br>The total catch in 2000 was 5,676 tons, a decrease from 11,458 tons in 1997; the catch was mainly marine, with freshwater carp, barbel, etc., crustaceans and molluscs.<br>Mining is a significant sector in Jamaica's economy. In 1998, Jamaica was the third-leading producer of bauxite and alumina globally, mining 12.6 million tons of bauxite, accounting for 10.4% of world production, and producing 3.46 million tons of alumina, which represented 7.4% of world production. In 2012, 8,540 million tons of bauxite were mined, following 10,200 million tons in 2011.

Mining and quarrying contributed 4.1% to Jamaica's gross domestic product in 1999. Bauxite and alumina comprised 55.2% of the nation's exports in 1999, making it the second-largest revenue generator after tourism. Jamaica boasts reserves exceeding 2 billion tonnes, estimated to last for the next 100 years. Bauxite deposits are concentrated in central parishes such as St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St. Catherine, St. Ann, and Trelawny. The country hosts four alumina plants and six mines.<br>Additionally, Jamaica holds several million tons of gypsum deposits in the southern slopes of the Blue Mountains. In 2000, Jamaica produced 330,441 tons of gypsum, a portion of which supported the local cement industry and the production of building materials.

The manufacturing sector is an essential contributor to the Jamaican economy. Though manufacturing accounted for 13.9% of GDP in 1999 Jamaican companies contribute many manufactures such as food processing; oil refining; produced chemicals, construction materials, plastic goods, paints, pharmaceuticals, cartons, leather goods and cigars & assembled electronics, textiles and apparel. The garment industry is a major job employer for thousands of hundreds of locals and they formed 12.9% of exports in 1999 earning US$159 million. Chemicals formed 3.3% of the exports in 1999 earning US$40 million.

Tourism is a crucial economic driver for Jamaica, rivaled only by remittances in terms of revenue. The tourism industry contributes over 50 percent of the country's total foreign exchange earnings and supports approximately one-fourth of all jobs in Jamaica. Major tourist activities are concentrated along the island's northern coast, particularly in destinations like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, and Negril on the western tip.<br>Popular attractions include Ocho Rios, Green Grotto Caves, Y.S. Falls, and Appleton Estate. Many of these sites are not only landmarks but also integral parts of local communities where fishing is a significant livelihood. Ocho Rios, located in the parish of Saint Ann, was originally a fishing village but has transformed into a bustling tourist destination attracting millions of visitors annually. The area is renowned for its culinary offerings and vibrant cultural scene.