ABC Country Book of Guadeloupe - economy Flag, Map, Economy, Geography, Climate, Natural Resources, Current Issues, International Agreements, Population, Social Statistics, Political System . The economy depends on agriculture, tourism, light industry, and services. It is also dependent upon France for large subsidies and imports. In addition, an increasingly large number of cruise ships visit the islands. Other vegetables and root crops are cultivated for local consumption, although Guadeloupe is still dependent on imported food, which comes mainly from France.
Light industry consists mostly of sugar and rum production.
Most manufactured goods and fuel are imported. Unemployment is especially high among the young.