Discusses pricing formula and other fees, value-added tax (VAT)
Last Published: 6/9/2016

  • Market pricing: With few exceptions noted below, businesses are free to price their products at whatever price meets their market objectives.  Consideration should be given to the cost of customs duties, energy, shipping and ground transportation in order to keep products competitive and businesses profitable.   Ultimately, the market determines the price.

  • Price controlled items: The Bahamian Government controls the price of propane gas and has fixed margins for petroleum retailers and wholesalers for gasoline and diesel.  There are also fixed prices for basic food staples (Bread Basket Items). 

  • “Cost plus” Pricing Method: Local companies generally adopt the “cost plus” method to price their products. The cost base is the Cost + Insurance + Freight  (CIF - including local charges).  Higher mark-ups exist for specialty items where there is little or no competition.

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.


More Information

Bahamas Trade Development and Promotion Cost and Pricing