Premier to meet with businesses to discuss US tariffs
The British Virgin Islands government has broken its silence on the recent wave of US-imposed tariffs, which have raised global concerns about an impending recession.
In a statement issued on April 7, the government said it is “deeply concerned” about the tariffs levied by the United States on countries worldwide, including a 10 percent tariff on the Virgin Islands. The statement noted that the latest measures build on prior tariffs targeting imports from Mexico, Canada, and China, as well as global tariffs on steel.
According to the government, the growing threat of a global trade war, coupled with proposed U.S. fees on shipping operators using Chinese-built vessels, could significantly increase costs for the BVI and the wider Caribbean.
Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley underscored that his top priority is the economic stability of the territory. He said plans are underway to consult with key industry stakeholders in the coming days.
“Safeguarding the economic interests of the Virgin Islands is our utmost priority,” the Premier said. “We are actively engaging with key stakeholders across industries and will be meeting with business leaders and retailers to ensure our response protects the needs and interests of BVI consumers as effectively as possible.”
The government also confirmed it is in close contact with regional bodies such as CARICOM, the OECS, and the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) to coordinate strategies for mitigating the impact of higher tariffs and rising shipping costs.
Copyright 2025 BVI News, Media Expressions Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
What ‘key’ industry stakeholders are you talking about? The same insulated little circle that tells you all you want to hear, as per usual. Not ince hav eyou engaged key industry players and listened to one thing they’ve recommended. Always, you have made the decision preemptively and without understanding!
Regardless, what exactly are you going to do, other than continue to bleed the people of this country dry?! You are more culpable to the downturn in economic fortune here, than any industrialized nation that you cry about!
10% tariff on what goods, to the USA? Shipping costs I understand the concern, but you’re going to do what exactly for the people of the BVI?
Whether you like the USA approach or not, at least they have adopted an America first policy. A policy that would be nice if you considered for our little homeland, rather than your current preference of you and your cronies, first, and the rest of us left to scraps of nothingness!
Stop acting like you care, when you don’t. So damn sick of you!
them going discuss how much money they could make off of us from years to come all after the USA Tariffs go back to normal.
bvi corona prices increased can’t go back to normal up to now
them see that money and see how them could keep making triple or even 4x profit with no consequences
and every one in the room benefiting
how a 10% tariff on BVI exports to the USA will effect the BVI economy?? Does the BVI export any goods to the USA other than happy holiday makers returning home???
It appears the only commodity exported by the BVI is derelict vehicles that are shipped down island and not to the USA.
Remember this man born in the US.
Be careful that 10% doesn’t end up being 20%.