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Prime Minister Gaston Browne has raised concerns about the potential impact of *U.S. tariff increases, warning that such measures could *drive up the cost of goods, affect trade, and reduce tourism revenue in Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.
Browne noted that *rising tariffs on imports—particularly those from **China, Mexico, Canada, and India—could *indirectly impact Caribbean nations, which rely heavily on imports for essential goods.
“If these tariffs increase by about 25%, it automatically drives up prices for us,” he said. “That, in turn, increases inflation, making it more difficult for our people to afford basic necessities.”
The Prime Minister also pointed to *the potential impact on tourism, Antigua and Barbuda’s *largest economic driver.
“If the U.S. economy contracts due to rising costs and a reduction in consumer spending, it could result in lower disposable incomes for Americans,” Browne explained. “That would mean fewer tourists coming to our shores and spending money in our hotels, restaurants, and businesses.”
Gaston Browne emphasized the *Caribbean’s economic reliance on the United States, noting that *80% of Antigua and Barbuda’s trade is tied to the U.S. and that *most of the country’s food imports originate there. He warned that **higher shipping costs—caused by new policies affecting vessels built in China—could *increase container shipping rates by thousands of dollars, further raising the cost of imported goods.
“We are inextricably linked to the U.S. economy, and when America faces economic turbulence, we feel the effects,” he said. “When the U.S. sneezes, we catch a cold.”
Browne called for greater dialogue between CARICOM and the United States to ensure that small island states are not disproportionately affected by trade policies designed to target larger economies.
“While the U.S. prioritizes its own economic growth, it must also recognize that its policies have unintended consequences for its closest neighbors,” he said. “We are not seeking to challenge their trade policies, but we want to ensure that the Caribbean’s concerns are heard and considered.”
As the government *monitors the evolving trade landscape, Browne reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to *boosting domestic food production and economic diversification to mitigate risks from external economic shocks.
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It real frustrating that the US can impose tariffs like that and expect no consequences for us.
It’s funny that you assume the US cares about it’s own people much less us
Browne warning we about this, but will we do anything to protect our economy? NO… Time will tell.
Well said, PM. The US got the power, but we need to work together as a region to lessen the impact.
The US always looking out for themselves. We need to start thinking more about self-sufficiency and local production.
This is why we need more regional industries. The US might be pulling the rug out from under us if we’re not careful.
Tariffs from the US are a heavy blow, but it’s time for the Caribbean to step up and look after its own.
Not could…WILL.
This is exactly what many of the well educated and critical thinkers were concerned about for years/decades of this over-reliance on USA’S and Western trade.
The Prime Minister has had 10 years in office to look into resolving this over-reliance on – especially – US trade. Browne’s weakness in being proactive has been there for all Antiguans to witness under his wanton leadership.
Antigua & Barbuda has had some amazing opportunities in the past – especially in agriculture and IT to become a more independent force in the region.
One wonders if this unfavourable and NUGATORY man has ever had an enterprising mindset for the country at large.
It seems that forward thinking enterprise only come along when it comes to his colleagues; friends; lobbyists; and other known associates, whilst Antigua suffers?
When Antigua & Barbuda get a forward thinking leader, only then will the citizens benefit greatly …
Are you going to give Antiguans a break and reduce the blasted duty on things then ???? What is your plan???? You’re still building your monstrous house right there in paradise view no??? Yea, you thieving public servant with nothing to say for anything other than your ‘concern’ for our dependence on foreign countries. Again, no plan for nothing!!!
Trade wars disrupt established supply chains , diminishing trade volumes and amplifying costs for businesses and consumers alike. As tariffs inflate the cost of imports, consumer prices escalate, curbing purchasing power and dampening economic activity. Though in geography we might be far away from the US, Canada and even Mexico, the effects of these trade wars would be felt locally.