A proposed tariff set to be enacted by the United States government next month threatens to unravel decades of economic ties between the U.S. and the Caribbean. The new policy, which would impose a hefty $1 million port fee on any Chinese-built vessel calling at U.S. ports, could raise shipping costs by thousands of dollars per container, potentially shifting the flow of goods between the U.S. and the Caribbean to foreign competitors. For Caribbean exporters, this tariff would be a major blow, raising the cost of goods and disrupting established trade relationships that total $92.3 billion annually.

While the United States government has framed the proposal as a trade measure aimed at countering unfair practices, it will have profound implications for Caribbean economies that depend on efficient, cost-effective shipping services to move goods. Most of the vessels serving the region were built in China, meaning the vast majority of Caribbean trade will be directly impacted by this policy.

For Caribbean businesses, the stakes are high. With rising shipping costs, many companies could be forced to either absorb the additional costs or pass them along to consumers. Both scenarios are unsustainable. Higher prices on exports to the Caribbean would make American goods less competitive, pushing businesses in the region to turn to other nations for supplies. The result? U.S. exports to the Caribbean could plummet, damaging a $92.3 billion trade relationship and costing both U.S. and Caribbean businesses valuable market share.

The proposed tariff will also hurt the livelihoods of many Caribbean workers who rely on a robust, affordable shipping network to support industries like agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. Rising shipping costs could result in fewer goods reaching the islands, driving up prices and making it harder for businesses to operate. For smaller Caribbean economies, the impact could be even more severe, as many rely heavily on U.S. imports for basic goods and supplies.

Tropical Shipping, a key player in U.S.-Caribbean trade, has raised its voice against the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposal, warning of the far-reaching consequences for both American and Caribbean workers. “This tariff will not only raise costs for Caribbean businesses but will hurt American workers as well,” said Tropical’s President and CEO in a letter to the USTR. “American workers in port operations, warehousing, trucking, and logistics will feel the impact, while exporters from the U.S. will find themselves less competitive compared to foreign rivals.”

At its core, the proposal threatens to destabilize Caribbean economies by driving up the cost of goods exported from the U.S. and weakening the region’s reliance on U.S. ports. The Caribbean is the United States’ largest trading partner in the Western Hemisphere, and this tariff would directly reduce the volume of goods passing through U.S. ports, ultimately harming jobs in both regions. It would also make it increasingly difficult for Caribbean countries to maintain consistent access to the goods they need, further straining already delicate economic conditions.

The Caribbean’s stake in this decision is clear. Tropical Shipping is urging businesses and individuals across the region to submit comments to the USTR, outlining how this tariff would affect their operations. This simple step could be a turning point, helping to prevent a trade policy that could ultimately disrupt the flow of goods between the U.S. and the Caribbean.

For more information about the USTR Section 301 proposal and how to submit your comments, visit the USTR Public Comment Page.

Tropical Shipping remains committed to protecting the interests of both Caribbean businesses and American workers, recognizing that both regions are interconnected in ways that cannot be ignored. The outcome of this decision could have lasting consequences for U.S.-Caribbean trade — a relationship that is essential to both economies’ continued prosperity.

The British Virgin Islands will be well represented on the global stage later this month as sprinters Beyoncé Defreitas and Rikkoi Brathwaite prepare to compete at the 2025 World Indoor Championships in Tokyo. The BVI Athletics Association officially announced their selection for the prestigious competition, set to take place from March 21 to 23 at the Nanjing Sports Training Center.

Brathwaite, a semi-finalist at last year’s Indoor World Athletics meet, will take to the track on March 21 for the 60m preliminaries at 9:10 a.m. local time. If he advances, he will return for the semifinals at 4:10 p.m. the same day. Defreitas will follow on March 22, with her 60m preliminaries scheduled for 7:15 a.m. and semifinals at 4:15 p.m.

The BVI is aiming to add to its medal count at the World Indoor Championships, with its sole podium finish coming in 2008 when Tahesia Harrigan-Scott secured bronze in the 60m sprint in Valencia, Spain. Now, Brathwaite and Defreitas look to make history once again for their nation.

Accompanying the athletes will be Ralston Henry, a World Athletics-certified senior coach, who will serve as both coach and team manager for the Championships.

The team is set to depart for Tokyo on March 13, ready to compete against the world’s best.

– Defends government support for entertainment events like BOB

Premier Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley has dismissed reports that the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB) contributed an additional $50,000 to the upcoming Black on Black Concert, set for Saturday, 15th March. Speaking on The Big Story with Cathy Richards on March 11, Wheatley called the claims “false” and warned against misinformation.

“The claim that the BVI Tourist Board put in $50,000 is simply false. It’s inaccurate journalism,” he stated.

He clarified that the BVITB operates with its own budget and that sponsorship decisions are handled by the Board’s Managing Director. However, he reaffirmed that government support for major entertainment events is a strategic investment.

The government’s initial sponsorship of $220,000 for the event has been a subject of debate, with some critics questioning the allocation of public funds to support a concert featuring an artist with a controversial history.

However, Premier Wheatley has defended the investment, suggesting that the economic benefits derived from tourism and related activities justify the expenditure. He remarked that such events stimulate the tourism product, leading to increased spending in areas like accommodation, car rentals, and local businesses.

Steve E. Parillon of YOLO Promotions confirmed that the BVITB’s contribution was “less than $10,000,” significantly lower than some public estimates. He emphasised that such sponsorships are standard practice for major local events. “The BVITB is a sponsor, and they have always been a sponsor of our events,” Parillon noted in a recent interview.

Hon. Wheatley also highlighted the necessity of government support for such events. “If you want to have these events, they must have a certain level of government support. Without it, quite honestly, they won’t happen. You have to spend money to make money. When you stimulate the tourism product, the returns are significant,” he explained.

Addressing the broader impact of entertainment tourism, the Premier highlighted successful past events, including the Buju Banton concert, and the upcoming Vybz Kartel performance. “You’re going to find people flying in, filling up hotels, Airbnbs, and villas. Some can’t even find a place to stay, so they stay with family and friends. They’re renting cars, spending money, paying environmental levies, and departure taxes—all of which support our economy,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Wheatley reaffirmed his commitment to growing the tourism sector, citing that 2024 saw the second most visitors in the territory’s history. “The numbers speak for themselves,” he said. “We’re going to continue working our strategy, and I hope the people of the Virgin Islands will understand the broader impact of what we’re doing.”

Hon.  Wheatley’s comments underscore the government’s ongoing support for entertainment tourism as a key driver of economic growth in the Virgin Islands.