Jamaica in talks with the US on tariffs imposed on the region

 

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has confirmed that Jamaica is actively engaging with the United States to address the recent tariffs imposed on countries across the region.

 

Under new US trade policy changes, a base 10 per cent tariff is being applied to all regional exports, with Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana facing even higher rates.

 

Prime Minister Holness addressed the matter on Tuesday, observing that the move marks a departure from the longstanding preferential treatment the region received under the Caribbean Basin Initiative, which, he stressed "has been vital to competitiveness of our agricultural, light manufacturing and food & beverage exports."

 

The region's response, "must include deepening engagement with the US Administration, to advocate the restoration of preferential access," he stressed, while seeking to "assure" the business leaders that "as Chairman of our (CARICOM'S) External Negotiation Mechanism... I know that we are meeting with and lobbying with the United States on a regular basis."

 

Those efforts include direct engagements with the US Trade Representative he said, promising that the aim is to achieve "the best results," on behalf of the regional business interests. 

 

The Prime Minister was speaking at a Leadership Breakfast for representatives of the regional private sector.