Economic Activities in Suriname: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, and Quaternary

Key Economic Insights: The economy of Suriname generates an estimated GDP of $4.52 billion ($7,070 per capita) supporting a population of 639,850. Productive output is anchored by 50.8% services, 35.1% industry and manufacturing, and 6.8% agriculture and natural resource extraction.

Suriname, with a population of approximately 639,850 as of 2025, is one of the least populous countries in the world. Located in South America, Suriname covers a total area of 163,820 square kilometers, ranking 87th globally, just below Uruguay.

As of 2025, Suriname has a GDP of $4.52 billion (World Bank). The GDP per capita in Suriname is approximately $7,070 as of 2025, which places it among upper-middle-income economies.

Suriname’s economy is characterized by its reliance on natural resources such as oil, gold, and agriculture. The country faces challenges in diversifying its economy and reducing its dependency on commodity exports to ensure sustained economic growth and stability.

Table of Contents

Suriname Economic Structure & Sector Analysis

Economic Dimension	Figure	Authoritative Source
GDP & Macro Output	Nominal GDP: $4.52 billion \| Per Capita: $7,070	World Bank WDI / IMF
Sector Breakdown	Services: 50.8% \| Industry: 35.1% \| Agriculture: 6.8%	World Bank National Accounts
Demographics & Labor	Population: 639,850	ILO / UN Population Division

Primary activities: 6.8% of GDP.
Secondary activities: 35.1% of GDP.
Tertiary activities: 50.8% of GDP.

Suriname economy by sector

Share of GDP, 2024, compared with the world average

Services make up the largest part of the economy, at 50.8% of GDP in 2024. Agriculture’s share is above the world average of 4.1%, and industry’s share is above the world’s 25.4%. Data: World Bank, World Development Indicators (value added by sector, % of GDP). The three shares do not add up to exactly 100% because GDP also includes taxes on products minus subsidies.

Primary Sector of Suriname

Suriname’s primary sector, with 0.5% of land dedicated to agriculture, thrives due to its tropical climate and rich natural resources. The main agricultural products include rice, sugarcane, oranges, chicken, plantains, vegetables, bananas, coconuts, cassava, and eggs.

Agriculture contributes 6.8% to the GDP. The diverse range of crops and animal products highlights the sector’s significance, providing sustenance and livelihoods for many in Suriname.

Suriname’s diverse geology results in abundant natural resources. Timber, hydropower, fish, kaolin, shrimp, bauxite, gold, and minerals like nickel, copper, platinum, and iron ore drive its primary sector, boosting the economy through exports and employment opportunities.Suriname’s oil production of approximately 14,833 barrels per day ranks it 53rd globally. With 99,980,000 barrels in reserves, it holds 0% of the world’s total.

Secondary Sector of Suriname

In Suriname, the main industrial products include gold, oil, lumber, and food processing. These products contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and development.In 2023, Suriname’s manufactures accounted for only 7.42% of its total exports, indicating their limited significance in driving the country’s economy.

Tertiary sector of Suriname

Paramaribo illustrating Suriname's tertiary service sector

The tertiary sector, also known as the service sector, comprises the ‘soft’ parts of the economy where people offer knowledge and time to improve productivity, performance, and meet needs. In Suriname, the main tertiary activities include healthcare and medical care, education and training, banking and finance, communication and information exchange, transportation and logistics, and security and protection.The sector draws over 300,000 annual arrivals. Popular destinations like the Central Suriname Nature Reserve and Brownsberg Nature Park attract nature enthusiasts.Another example of tertiary economic activity is the mobile cellular sector, with approximately 929,000 subscriptions, equating to about 150 per 100 inhabitants. This connectivity supports technological growth, innovation and digital services.

International Trade of Suriname

Import Activities of Suriname

Suriname’s high import activities, accounting for 46.87% of GDP, meet domestic demand and drive economic growth.Suriname’s key import activities include refined petroleum, excavation machinery, cars, plastic products, and tobacco. Its top import partners are the US (25%), China (15%), Netherlands (13%), Trinidad and Tobago (6%), and Japan (3%).

Exports Activities of Suriname

Suriname’s export activities are of high importance, accounting for 63.82% of GDP in 2023, totaling $2.31 billion. This signifies a strong reliance on exports for economic growth and stability.Suriname’s export activities are diverse, with gold, petroleum, machinery, wood, and fish being key commodities. Its top export partners are Switzerland, UAE, Belgium, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago, with Switzerland accounting for the largest share at 39%.

Suriname economy challenges in 2024

In 2024, Suriname faces economic challenges despite being an upper middle-income country. The new floating currency regime aims to stabilize the economy, but the controversial hardwood industry and reliance on aluminum, gold, and hydrocarbon exports pose risks. Overcoming these obstacles depends on the IMF plan for recovery and fiscal sustainability.

Sources

Last updated: October 2026

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Post Author

Juan David Montoya

Economist & Senior Economic Researcher. Editorial Director of EconomicActivity.org. Specializes in macroeconomic indicators, international trade flows, and economic sector taxonomy (ISIC Rev. 4). Analyzes multilateral data from the World Bank, IMF, UN Comtrade, and OECD.