The Business Report – July 22, 2025
Kingston, Jamaica – The July 22, 2025, edition of the Business Report, a regular feature on the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Jamaica (PBCJ), offered a comprehensive overview of key economic developments impacting the island nation. The report highlighted several critical areas, including concerns in the coffee industry, activity on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, and interventions in the foreign exchange market.
Coffee Industry Grapples with Piracy Concerns
A significant portion of the report focused on the escalating issue of piracy within the Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee industry. Norman Grant, President of the Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association and also head of Mavis Bank Coffee Factory, is taking the lead in addressing the illegal use of Jamaica’s highly prized coffee in China. Grant plans to convene a high-level meeting to discuss strategies for safeguarding the industry’s intellectual property and protecting its brand. This meeting will include key stakeholders and, importantly, the Chinese ambassador to Jamaica. The aim is to collaboratively develop solutions that will protect the reputation of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee in the face of these illicit activities.
The global demand for authentic Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee remains high, making it a valuable target for counterfeiters. The planned discussions are expected to explore options, including increased enforcement of trade regulations, enhanced monitoring of distribution channels, and potential legal actions to deter the unauthorized use of the coffee’s name and origin.
Stock Market Activity: Trading Trends on the JSE
The report also provided an update on the trading activities of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE). Several companies saw significant activity, reflecting investor sentiment and overall market trends. The most actively traded stocks included One-On-One Educational Services Limited, NCB Financial Group Limited, and Innovative Energy Group Limited. These companies represent various sectors, providing insight into the diverse investment landscape within Jamaica. The report likely delved into each stock’s performance, including price fluctuations, trading volumes, and any related company announcements. This detailed information helps investors analyze the market and make informed decisions.
Bank of Jamaica Intervenes in Foreign Exchange Market
The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) plays a crucial role in managing the nation’s financial stability, and its activities in the foreign exchange (forex) market were also highlighted in the report. On July 21, 2025, the BOJ purchased US$62.43 million. This intervention is likely aimed at influencing the exchange rate between the Jamaican dollar and the US dollar, maintaining stability, and managing inflation. The report included expert analysis of the BOJ’s actions and their potential impact on businesses and consumers.
Caribbean Cement Company Eyes Regional Exports
In another key development, Caribbean Cement Company is planning to expand its export operations. The company intends to export 28,000 tons of cement to various Caribbean markets, beginning next month. This move signifies the company’s growth and its efforts to capitalize on regional demand. The report likely highlighted the company’s financial performance as a driving force for this expansion.
Caribbean Cement Company has demonstrated robust financial health, as illustrated by its reported revenues and profits. Last year, the company generated revenues of J$27.9 billion and achieved net profits of J$2 billion in the first quarter of the year. These figures underscore the company’s strong position within the construction industry and its potential for continued growth, making the move into export markets a logical progression.
Forex Market Dynamics
The Business Report also examined the current forex market rate as set by the Bank of Jamaica. This part of the report likely included an analysis of factors affecting the exchange rate, such as international economic conditions, trade balances, and investment flows. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for businesses involved in international trade, as well as consumers who are impacted by exchange rate fluctuations.
The PBCJ’s Business Report offers critical insights into the Jamaican economy, providing a platform for informed discussion and analysis of key economic trends and developments.