CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) Chairman, Gervase Warner, Pleased with Exemption for Caribbean from USTR Proposed Fees regarding ‘China’s Targeting of the Maritime, Logistics and Shipbuilding Sectors’
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago – April 19, 2025
On behalf of the regional private sector, the CPSO is grateful for the ‘USTR Determination’ on ‘China-built vessels’, published on April 17th, 2025. This Determination, in effect, exempts Caribbean Shipping from the high port fees on China-built vessels originally proposed by the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
As originally proposed, the USTR fees—exceeding US $1,000,000.00 for each U.S. port call—would have increased the cost of shipping between the Caribbean and the United States, with crippling consequences for inflation, shortages, delays, and other supply chain disruptions for the people and economies of CARICOM and the Caribbean.
The CPSO appreciates the USTR’s determination and recognizes this beneficial outcome as the product of leadership and collaboration among several key private sector stakeholders and CARICOM governments. Special recognition is given to the CARICOM Heads of Government, chaired by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley. The priority attention given to this issue by the Heads of Government—demonstrated through their advocacy during the meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and communication to President Donald Trump under the signature of Prime Minister Mottley—was instrumental in achieving this result.
The CPSO Secretariat, under the technical leadership of Dr. Patrick Antoine and his team, played a significant role with their submissions and oral testimony. The coordination and advocacy efforts by CPSO included a record-setting coordination call on March 18th, 2025, with over 700 attendees from multiple industries and countries across the Caribbean. Two regional consultations were also held to define and refine the private sector’s position for submission to the USTR—proud moments of collective action.
The CPSO also acknowledges the openness and transparency of the USTR and its panel of representatives from various U.S. Government departments. The panel was receptive to the Caribbean’s specific issues raised through submissions and testimonies by CPSO and its partners.
The CPSO values the partnership with Tropical Shipping CEO Tim Martin and Jennifer Nugent-Hill, a CPSO-US Business Council (CPSO-USBC) Director. Contributions from other key stakeholders included the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Seaboard Marine, Atlantic Council, Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA), Mr. Darwin Telemaque (CEO of the Antigua Port Authority), Mr. Gerard Bergasse (Regional Manager, Tropical Shipping), and the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC).
Ambassador Wayne McCook, Assistant Secretary-General – CARICOM Single Market and Trade, and Dr. Wendell Samuel, Acting Assistant Secretary-General for Economic Integration, Innovation, and Development, provided seamless coordination.
The CPSO was also supported by Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett (U.S. Virgin Islands), whose timely participation in a briefing with CPSO, Tropical Shipping, and CARICOM Ambassadors was key. Her strategic questioning during U.S. Ways and Means Committee hearings contributed to the positive USTR outcome. Gratitude is also extended to the Caucus of CARICOM Ambassadors accredited to the U.S.
The CPSO advocated for the following exemptions:
- Short Sea Shipping – Initially defined as vessels operating within 2,750 nautical miles between CARICOM/Caribbean and the U.S.; the USTR approved 2,000 nautical miles (acceptable to CPSO).
- Vessels below 55,000 deadweight tons and fewer than 4,999 TEUs – USTR approved exemption for 55,000 deadweight tons and fewer than 4,000 TEUs (acceptable to CPSO).
- Specialized cargo exceeding 55,000 deadweight tons – USTR granted exemption for bulk capacity of 80,000 deadweight tons and specialized vessels for transporting chemical substances in bulk or liquid form (acceptable to CPSO).
The CPSO also recognizes the role played by the regional media in print and electronic forms, whose support was critical. As Chairman, I convey sincere thanks on behalf of the Executive Committee and our 5,500+ members.
Looking ahead, CPSO will continue advocating on crucial matters such as the impact of U.S. tariffs on CARICOM trade. Dr. Antoine and his team remain actively engaged with the CARICOM Secretariat on this issue.
To those we may have missed naming, and to the people of CARICOM and the Caribbean—thank you. The CPSO is honored to serve the Community at such a pivotal time.
Gervase Warner
Chairman
CARICOM Private Sector Organization
ABOUT THE CPSO
The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) is the most recently accredited Associate Institution of the Caribbean Community. The CPSO serves to mobilize and advance private sector participation in CARICOM, with a mandate to contribute to the full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). CPSO membership comprises private sector entities operating across CARICOM, including Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
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