US-Guyana trade reaches record high US$4.7B in 2024

Bilateral relations between Guyana and the United States (US) continue to strengthen with trade between the two countries growing to an all-time high of US$4.7 billion in 2024. This was revealed by US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, during a reception hosted on Friday evening in Georgetown to celebrate the upcoming 249th Independence of America.

Ambassador Theriot hailed the strong diplomatic ties her country shares with Guyana, adding that a testament to this is the new record set in bilateral trade between Guyana and the US.
“Our commercial ties also continue to deepen and expand. Over the past year, we’ve reached another milestone: bilateral trade in physical goods alone surpassed US$4.7 billion – a new record. The number of US companies working with Guyanese partners continues to grow, along with sustained investment across many sectors,” she posited.
According to the US diplomat, over the past year, the two countries celebrated many new ventures ranging from company launches and grand openings to groundbreaking partnerships. These include a new US-branded hotel, the launch of a new primary and secondary school partnership, a US company now offering Guyana’s first-ever industrial 3D-printing, and the entry of another US company specialising in welding and machining services.

The ambassador declared that this commercial partnership will be further strengthened.
“…we’re definitely not slowing down. We’re collaborating on critical infrastructure projects, including the transformative deep-sea port, road and rail project. These are nation-building investments that can shape the trajectory of a country for generations to come. As Guyana’s preferred partner, the United States is honoured to be part of that journey, and we are committed to helping build a legacy of growth and shared prosperity,” she asserted.

Military cooperation
She went on to outline that the US-Guyana partnership goes far beyond commercial ties, and is evident especially in the way both countries work together to promote peace, security and prosperity within the region.
One powerful example of this Ambassador Theriot noted is the strong military and security cooperation between US and Guyana, which is at the strongest it has ever been. In fact, this year the two countries partnered to host the Lesser Antilles Medical Assistance Team – an exercise that brought high-quality medical care to over 1,700 local patients at five medical facilities across Guyana.
The diplomat further stated that the US and Guyana’s military-to-military partnership spans training, exchanges and acquisitions in key national security areas, such as the joint development of coastal radar capability for the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Coast Guard. “The sight of the GDFS SHAHOUD sailing alongside the US Navy Cruiser, NORMANDY, during Secretary [of State, Marco] Rubio’s March visit was clear proof of the strength of our cooperation and the mutual commitment to our shared security,” she asserted.
According to the Ambassador, US and Guyana also expanded law enforcement partnership this year with knowledge exchanges and joint activities involving the New York Police Department (NYPD), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) working hand-in-hand with the GDF, Guyana Police Force (GPF), Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) and the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU).
“Our agencies work incredibly well together, highlighted by the DEA-CANU seizure of thousands of kilos of illegal drugs in August [2024]. Joint operations like these strengthen our collective security and make Guyana a regional leader and a stabilising force in South America and the Caribbean,” she stated.

Youth empowerment
Beyond these areas, the US-Guyana partnership also focuses heavily on human resource development here especially as it relates to the potential of Guyanese youth. The Ambassador said the US exchange alumni continue to have a profound impact – from advancing sustainable agriculture in Mocha Arcadia to mentoring students in career development.
She added that programmes like Steps Towards Literacy, launched by the 2024 Youth Ambassadors, are fostering a love of learning among students, while sports initiatives have empowered over 250 athletes and helped two talented athletes earn scholarships to US universities including national sprinter Malachi Austin, who got a full ride to the Ambassador’s alma mater – Louisiana State University (LSU).
Moreover, just last month, 25 new Peace Corps volunteers arrived in Guyana – making the total surpassing 40 volunteers currently in the country. The US diplomat noted that the work of these volunteers focuses on childhood literacy, adolescent health, and environmental education. They collaborate with schools, community groups, and Government Ministries to create lasting impact, she added.
Friday’s independence celebration was themed ‘A Night in New Orleans’ – a vibrant city within Ambassador Theriot’s home state of Louisiana.
“Like Guyana, New Orleans is a melting pot of identities and influences — African, French, Spanish, and Caribbean — that blend into a vibrant tapestry that shapes its identity and unique energy. Beyond their cultural wealth, New Orleans and Guyana share a legacy of resilience …let’s celebrate not only the ideals of independence but also the enduring friendship between our people. Like the city of New Orleans, our greatest strength lies in the harmony and appreciation of the many influences that shape our nations and our shared values,” the US Ambassador shared.
Among those in attendance at the reception were Prime Minister, Brigadier Ret’d Mark Phillips; Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd, along with several other Cabinet Ministers, senior Government officials, opposition politicians, and other members of the local diplomatic community.