BVI names potential trading partners amid US tariff threat
As countries brace for the United States to finalise its stance on global tariffs, the British Virgin Islands is exploring alternative trading partners that could help reduce the cost of imports into the territory.
The US continues to revise its tariff policies, but supply chain disruptions are already being felt globally, stemming from the Trump administration’s hardline approach to international trade.
Junior Minister for Financial Services, Trade and Economic Development, Lorna Smith, said the BVI is considering several regional alternatives, including the Dominican Republic, St. Martin, and countries in Latin America.
“Our objective is to find an alternative supply chain that can provide food and supplies that are affordable. We are looking at Dominican Republic, St. Martin and countries in Latin America — places like Mexico and Panama — for shipping and purchasing goods,” Minister Smith explained.
Local suppliers have warned that the public will feel the effects of the US tariff policy, even if the Trump administration opts to reduce global fees.
However, significant price increases are likely to be met with resistance from the public, amid longstanding concerns about price gouging and stagnant wages across the territory.
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Please make sure that you come to the populace. you and the entire internal government cannot speak final for the whole bvi.
We are full of talk but no action. We are still in considerating stage. We should have already been into heavy talks with relevant shipping companies by now, but we are still thinking about it, meaning its still in our minds. BVI is always backwards in everything, have to see what others are doing first so they can get the energy
What happened to the supposed support of our own third pillar.
$20,000,000 would go a long way toward that.
$250,000 2ould go a long way to ward that.
$7,000,000 would go a long way toward that.
The $6,000,000 greenhouses that grew not a things would have gone a long way to ward that.
$6Million travel money would go a long way.
Joes Hill house money would go a long way.
Trade and Economic Development and all you can think about is big hand me kick back contracts abroad.
How about kick back some money to people here actually doing farming.
Not the phoney fishy farmy folk that soaked up the last $40 Trillion giveaway.
REal money, real policies and real help for peopel to here in the VI.
But no you looking big money contract elsewhere. For what? Big kickbacks?
Any word yet on what the so call high level delegation trip to Guyana has yielded for BVI as yet? inquiring mind wanna know.
I laugh at the potentials of these smart ones who actually do nothing
CHINA ! got to keep those worthless trinkets at the cruise pier
is a business that thrives on challenges including government meddling in the shipping business. Intelligent shippers ALWAYS figure out the most economical methods to move cargo between peaceful ports. But when war commences then safety is paramount and economical shipping disappears.
Did I miss something? Why are we here again? Regardless of the outcome isn’t tropical shipping exempted?
The fate of a country caught between imperialism and independence.