4,600 vehicles imported into Antigua in 2025

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Port Authority Records Strongest Cargo Performance on Record, Hurst Reports

Antigua and Barbuda’s main seaport has recorded its strongest cargo performance on record, driven by rising container traffic, construction imports and expanding regional shipping activity, Senator Mary Claire Hurst told the Upper House during the 2026 Budget Debate.

Hurst, who chairs the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, said container volumes measured in twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) have increased steadily over the past three years, reflecting heightened economic activity.

“In 2023 we had about 19,000 TEUs. In 2024, that increased to just under 21,000, and in 2025 so far we are at more than 23,000,” Hurst said, noting a year-to-date increase of roughly nine percent.

She said the growth has been accompanied by sharp rises in key imports linked to construction and infrastructure development. Cement imports rose from about 65,796 tonnes in 2024 to more than 80,000 tonnes in 2025, while aggregate, sand and stone imports jumped by more than 150 percent over the same period.

Vehicle imports have also climbed significantly, Hurst said, rising from 1,429 vehicles in 2021 to more than 4,600 vehicles in 2025, a trend she said reflects increased consumer demand and business activity.

Hurst attributed the surge in cargo volumes to several major national projects, including the Booby Alley Housing Project, airport runway works, cruise port upgrades and hotel developments.

“The economic activity starts right there at the port,” she said.

She also pointed to Antigua’s growing role as a regional transshipment hub, with goods now being routed through St. John’s Harbour for onward delivery to neighbouring territories including St. Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat, Dominica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Barbados.

“We’re now getting into transshipment,” Hurst said, describing it as a sign of the port’s expanding regional importance.

Hurst said the performance data shows the port is increasingly central to Antigua and Barbuda’s trade, construction and tourism-driven economy, and positions the country as a key logistics gateway within the Eastern Caribbean.

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8 COMMENTS

  1. Most of these cars are no good cheap cars from Japan, junk cars to be crushed. Most of them are parked at the side of the road for repairs. Then the government X them and call them deliric cars. They do nothing but confuse people then take advantage of them

  2. Most of these cars are no good cheap cars from Japan, junk cars to be crushed. Most of them are parked at the side of the road for repairs. Then the government X them and call them deliric cars. They do nothing but confuse people then take advantage of them. Then the cars scandal.

  3. UPP’S dealer must be pissed lol 😆 😂

    Good news for “poor people” but bad news for that car dealership that keeping Observer Radio on life support.

    UPP refuse to picket that particular dealership

  4. @PUBLIC! Mine still very much up and running going on 8 years now so be quiet! Proper maintenance is a plus! Some people can’t afford the prices of brand new vehicles! Tell de dealers Dem ease up and we will be able to buy local! Japan is and will be doing it as long as the prices and products are right!!

  5. The point is, if the country is doing so good economically, why so many cars that in most cases over 10 years old have to be imported? People in antigua just doesn’t check the reality of what is going on. If APUA start disconnection for outstanding balances, our country will be almost dark. Just check when most consumers goes to APUA ,they are paying in a lot of cases half of their actual bills. False growth and voodoo economics they are putting out to the people.

  7. And how much coke was hidden in them ?? I Wonder if it went to distribute on fort road and Grays farm.

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