WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao may have between 6,000 and 7,000 residents of Chinese descent and between 300 and 400 Chinese-operated supermarkets, according to estimates collected for a new study into China's presence in the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
The figures come from the Chinese Business Association on Curaçao and should not be confused with official nationality statistics.
Official data show only 398 residents with Chinese nationality in Curaçao in both 2011 and 2023, equivalent to approximately 0.3 percent of the population.
The large difference exists because the broader Chinese community includes Dutch citizens of Chinese descent, second- and third-generation Curaçao residents and people holding nationalities from other countries.
The researchers emphasize that the Chinese community is not homogeneous.
Many families have lived in Curaçao for generations.
The report traces Chinese migration to Curaçao back to the late 19th century. The first Chinese migrants reportedly arrived in 1870, while the first Chinese family settled on the island in 1902.
A larger migration wave followed with Curaçao's industrial development and the establishment of the Shell refinery. Chinese migrants initially found work connected to the refinery, restaurants, laundries and shipping before increasingly becoming independent entrepreneurs.
Over time, Chinese businesses became especially prominent in neighborhood supermarkets, restaurants and laundries, followed more recently by hardware stores, stationery businesses and real estate.
According to the study, many Curaçao Chinese families trace their origins to Guangdong province.
The researchers describe these businesses as heavily supported by family, hometown and community networks that can provide labor, financing and introductions.
Despite their significant economic presence, the report found little evidence that Chinese community organizations are systematically attempting to influence Curaçao politics.
Researchers say the organizations appear primarily focused on community interests, culture and protecting the economic and security interests of their members rather than exerting political influence.