The Caribbean has been exempted from a new U.S. tariff on ships made in China, helping the region avoid huge costs and trade problems.
On April 17, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) confirmed that vessels operating in the Caribbean, including those servicing U.S. territories, won’t be affected by the high port fees.
This came after months of lobbying by regional leaders, shipping companies, and private sector groups.
The Caribbean Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), part of the 15-member CARICOM, welcomed the news, calling it a much-needed relief.
They warned earlier that the proposed tariffs would have caused higher prices, shipping delays, and supply issues across the region.
The U.S. had proposed these tariffs under a 2023 investigation to push back against China’s dominance in global shipbuilding.
The fees, ranging from $500,000 to over $1 million per visit, were meant to encourage the use of U.S.-built ships. But this move raised concerns in the Caribbean, where many
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