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: 6/9/2016

  • Proximity to the United States: At its closet point, The Bahamas is less than 60 miles from the East Coast of the United States and sits on major shipping routes that service trade between the U.S and the world. 

  • Regular Distribution Channels: Distribution services to New Providence Island and most major islands in The Bahamas are tied to trade with South Florida. There are competitive daily shipping options and regular freight services from Port St. Lucie, West Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Port Everglades, and Port of Miami, and airfreight options from both Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. There are several large, established distribution companies with expertise in import and distribution. These include U.S. firms such as Sysco and several local groups. 

  • Inter-Island Trade: Trade between islands in The Bahamas is supported by a subsidized ‘mailboat’ service to all of the populated islands.  The government-owned national airline Bahamasair as well as privately owned airlines provides regular service to all of the major islands.  The country has 27 active ports of entry and numerous airstrips and rural landing ramps to support inter-island trade. 

  • Embassy Commercial Section:  The Embassy's Political-Economic Section offers a number of services tailored to specific businesses seeking local distributors, including the U.S. Commerce Department's "Gold Key Service," for modest fees.  Visitors can also speak, by appointment, with a trade specialist in the Embassy’s Political-Economic Section, located in the Embassy in downtown Nassau at 42 Queen Street.   The office can be contacted at:

    Political-Economic Section
    U.S. Embassy
     P.O. Box N-8197
     Nassau, The Bahamas
     CommercialNassau@state.gov
          or          
    U.S. Embassy Nassau/Political-Economic Section
    Department of State
    3370 Nassau Place
    Washington, DC 20521-3370
    Nassau telephone:  (242) 322-1181 ext. 4226/7 or 323-7180 and
    Fax:  (242) 328-3495 or 356-0222
     

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.


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