The economy of the United States Virgin Islands is primarily dependent upon tourism, trade, and other services, accounting for nearly 60% of the Virgin Island's GDP and about half of total civilian employment. Close to two million tourists per year visit the islands. The government is the single largest employer.

The economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) is overwhelmingly dominated by the tourism industry, which typically accounts for roughly 60% to 80% of the territory’s GDP and employment. In 2026, the islands host millions of visitors annually via cruise ships and air travel to St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. Beyond tourism, the manufacturing sector—specifically rum distilling—is a major contributor; the islands are home to massive facilities for brands like Captain Morgan and Cruzan. Historically, the Hovensa oil refinery on St. Croix was a primary economic engine, but its closure shifted the focus toward smaller-scale light manufacturing and the burgeoning financial services sector under the Economic Development Commission (EDC) program. Additionally, the government is a major employer, and there is a small but resilient agricultural sector on St. Croix. The territory continues to work on diversifying its economy through "tech village" initiatives and renewable energy projects to reduce its heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels.