CPSO welcomes removal of US tariffs on key Caricom exports

The Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO) has lauded the United States’ decision to eliminate tariffs on critical export sectors within the Caribbean Community (Caricom), marking a significant relief for regional industries. These tariffs, initially imposed in April 2025 and later updated in August 2025, had severely impacted Caricom’s export revenues, particularly in the Base Metals, Agriculture & Food, and Chemicals sectors. The CPSO had previously estimated that the reciprocal tariffs would result in an annual loss of US$653.6 million in export revenue for Caricom Member States. The Agriculture & Food and Chemicals sectors bore the brunt of these tariffs, with projected annual losses of US$117.7 million and US$86.1 million, respectively. The removal of these tariffs, enacted through an Executive Order on 14 November 2025 by President Donald Trump, is expected to stabilize key agricultural and agroprocessing supply chains across Caricom and enhance the competitiveness of Trinidad and Tobago’s chemical exports, including fertilizers and related products. Dr. Patrick Antoine, CPSO Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director, emphasized the pivotal role of coordinated advocacy by Caricom Heads of Government, including Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar, Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, and The Bahamas’ Prime Minister Philip Davis, in securing this outcome. The US remains Caricom’s principal trade partner, and the tariff removal is anticipated to strengthen the US-Caricom trade relationship. The CPSO continues to work towards eliminating remaining tariffs affecting Caricom’s exports to the US, reinforcing its commitment to advancing trade facilitation, competitiveness, and long-term economic resilience.