Consumers could begin to see lower prices on groceries within weeks following the government’s suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on a range of essential food items.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said during Thursday’s post-Cabinet press briefing that the suspension—approved under a CARICOM-wide arrangement—is intended to cushion the impact of global food price increases and provide direct relief to households.
“We should be seeing some price reduction at this time,” Merchant said, noting that it usually takes “a month or two” for the effects to reach the shelves, depending on how quickly supermarkets sell their existing stock.
The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division has been instructed to monitor compliance and report back to Cabinet within 30 days on whether the price reductions are being passed on to shoppers.
The list of zero-rated and CET-suspended items includes fresh vegetables, fruits, potatoes, carrots, peas and legumes, canned proteins such as sardines and corned beef, infant foods, cereals, and cooking oils. Merchant said the measure will be fully implemented by January 1 once the necessary documentation is finalized.
He confirmed that the government is considering expanding the list over time and introducing complementary legislation early next year to restrict sugary drinks as part of its broader healthy-living campaign.
Merchant said the Gaston Browne administration remains committed to ensuring that “the benefits of government policy interventions are directly felt by the people of Antigua and Barbuda” through lower prices and improved food security.
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