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US Tariff Threats Could Spike Local Prices, Cabinet Warns
Officials in Antigua and Barbuda have raised concerns that proposed US tariffs on China and other countries could lead to rising costs for local consumers, as the island nation remains heavily reliant on imported goods.
During Thursday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Ambassador Lionel Hurst said the Gaston Browne administration is closely monitoring developments in the United States, warning that a global trade war could have significant consequences for small island economies.
“Our exports to the United States may be negligible, but our imports are substantial,” Hurst said. “Any increase in the cost of goods from the US will directly impact the cost of living here.”
The proposed tariffs, which had initially been slated to take effect this week, are now subject to a 90-day review period. However, regional leaders fear this may only delay rather than prevent a broader economic disruption.
CARICOM heads have already met to discuss the matter and are expected to convene again next month. Antigua and Barbuda, along with other Caribbean states, is also engaged in discussions through the Organisation of American States (OAS), as member countries brace for potential fallout.
Hurst said the Cabinet has acknowledged the risk of higher prices for food, fuel and consumer goods, which could drive inflation and place further strain on households.
In response, the government is exploring alternative sources for certain imports, particularly fruits and vegetables, should US prices rise significantly.
“There may be opportunities to source more affordable products from Latin America or other regions,” Hurst noted.
The ambassador also took aim at the broader strategy behind the US tariffs, describing them as misguided and economically harmful, both to trading partners and to American consumers.
“There’s no wisdom in waging a tariff war against allies,” he said. “History has shown that open trade brings mutual benefit, while protectionism disrupts economies.”
The Cabinet is expected to continue monitoring the situation and will provide updates should any significant policy shifts be required to cushion local impacts.
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All the more reason why the teefin customs need to stop charging us duties on the cost of the products + the cost to freight it here + the cost of the insurance to cover any loss of said products. That is pure bullshit. Then they add warrant fees, broker fees and all the rest of the bullshit fees as they like. Like Gaston Browne they practicing creative self enrichment and all the rest of us get fucked.
Time to vote people in charge of customs and this bullshit practice out of government and vote people in who will take care of teefin practices like this.
If prices go up again I’m gonna start identifying as a cow.
Vote them out and put who cause the other party can’t even hold them team together