Antigua and Barbuda’s Customs and Excise Division and Port Authority have reported record-breaking revenues, signaling robust economic growth in the country.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who attributed the increased revenue to expanding economic activity and effective policy implementation.
“The Customs Division collected over half a billion dollars in revenue last year, which reflects the vibrancy of our economy,” Browne stated. He emphasized that the Port Authority has also achieved unprecedented revenue figures, driven by higher volumes of imports and exports.
These gains, Browne noted, were instrumental in financing various public projects. “This economic expansion has allowed us to spend more on critical infrastructure, such as purchasing garbage trucks, fire trucks, and even a gunboat for the Coast Guard,” he said.
The Prime Minister linked the revenue growth to policies aimed at bolstering business confidence and facilitating trade. “Customs and the Port don’t generate revenue themselves—they collect it based on the level of economic activity. These numbers confirm that our economy is performing exceptionally well,” he added.
The increased revenue has also enabled the government to address longstanding obligations, including payments to public servants. Browne highlighted a recent milestone: “We were able to disburse nearly $80 million in December alone, covering salaries, back pay, and other commitments.”
The Prime Minister expressed optimism about the future, suggesting that Antigua and Barbuda’s economic outlook remains strong as the government continues to focus on growth-oriented policies.
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That’s not necessarily true. The last 2 times I traveled, I came back with stuff I purchased from Temu, cheap stuff, because that’s what I can afford at the moment. The custom officers made me pay even though the items weren’t values much. I paid because I needed the items, not because I could afford to. Hence, these high revenue is a false positive. People are shopping when they travel and online because they can’t afford the high prices here, yet customs are killing us with exorbitant fees. People can’t catch a break. Being forced to pay and affording to pay are 2 different things.
You nor say notton,find some tissue
I could also be an increase in the ABST from 15-17 percent!
This is as a result of a policy decision to reduce all the duty free for old imported cars into the country
We still don’t have a regular supply of water. I await the new December timeline set by the PM in his New Years Message
Raju love to take the credit for government’s policy when the customs really runs on Automatic
I don’t see how this is an argument. What other than economic growth can be responsible for the increase in revenue.
Well lawd, look at satire
@Donna
The increase in revenue is as a result of the duty paid my the merchants on the inflated costs of the imports. In other words, the costs of imported goods keep going up so the revenue will also go up. Antiguans are seeing no economic growth because they are paying more for these goods. Gaston either didn’t study finance or he is trying to fool the uneducated.
@Donna
The increase in revenue is as a result of the higher duty paid my the merchants on the inflated costs of the imports. In other words, the costs of imported goods keep going up so the revenue will also go up. Antiguans are seeing no economic growth because they are paying more for these goods. Gaston either didn’t study finance or he is trying to fool the uneducated.