Why does Guadeloupe import more goods than it exports?

Guadeloupe maintains a chronically large annual deficit in its balance of external trade because the value of its imports significantly exceeds the value of its exports.1

The island's economy relies heavily on importing essential goods, primarily food and agricultural products, machinery, equipment, and vehicles. Conversely, its export market is more specialized, focusing largely on agricultural commodities such as bananas, raw sugar, rum, flowers, and other fruits and vegetables. Because the territory must bring in a wide array of manufactured goods and food supplies to support its population and infrastructure, the cost of these imports consistently outstrips the revenue generated by its narrower range of exports.1