CPSO, Atlantic Council and Tropical Shipping Discuss USTR Proposals and Implications with CARICOM Ambassadors
The Atlantic Council and Tropical Shipping hosted a dialogue session with CARICOM Ambassadors and the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) in Washington D.C. on March 25, 2025.
The session facilitated an update and discussion on the possible implications of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) Section 301 proposed remedies for Chinese maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding practices—particularly their potential impact on Caribbean economies.
The Atlantic Council opened the session, welcoming Ambassadors and outlining expectations for a lively exchange. Tropical Shipping provided an overview of its submission to the USTR oral comments process on March 24, focusing on the unique features of Caribbean shipping. Their comments highlighted the implications for regional shippers, including concerns about shipping costs, service efficiency, and other risks or unintended consequences of the USTR proposals.
The CPSO, during its presentation, shared the private sector’s perspectives and focused on its oral testimony delivered before the Section 301 Committee on March 24. The discussion addressed the impact of the proposed measures on key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, energy, tourism, and cruise lines, while also exploring potential response options.
Dr. Patrick Antoine, CPSO CEO and Technical Director, underscored the gravity of the proposals. He noted that the potential impact on the Caribbean could be even more severe than the shipping cost fluctuations experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“If the proposals are advanced in the present form, the cost increases will be sustained for some time,” he stated. “Most of the sectors rely on companies operating at least one Chinese-built vessel. This would mean that, at the very least, a fine of US$1 million could apply per port call, but given how the USTR measures were proposed, the fines could reach as high as US$3.5 million where products of US origin are not carried in US-flagged and operated vessels.”
The Ambassadors in attendance expressed strong concern about the potential impact of these measures on the Caribbean Community. They committed to relaying the information to their respective governments to help CARICOM Member States formulate a coordinated and informed response.
About the CPSO
The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) is the most recently accredited Associate Institution of the Caribbean Community. It serves as the “Apex” institution for the private sector in CARICOM, with a mandate to support the full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Its membership includes private sector entities operating within the CARICOM space, including Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
