KINGSTON, Jamaica, Apr 6, CMC – Prime Minister Andrew Holness, says his government is actively engaging with the United States (US) Trade Representative and other relevant authorities “to seek urgent clarification” on the new US tariff regime.
He said the 10 per cent baseline tariff on imports from all countries, which took effect on Saturday, introduces a significant shift in global trade policy, “that could impact Jamaica’s market access to our largest trading partner”.
Jamaica, like other CARICOM nations, has traded with the US under the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), which provides non-reciprocal duty-free access for a wide range of products to the US market.
“Today, nearly 90 per cent of Jamaican exports to the United States enter under these preferential terms; however, the new US tariff regime, rooted in a broader policy of reciprocal trade balancing, has raised serious concerns about the future of these preferential arrangements,” the prime minister said.
He noted that the government had not yet received formal notification on the precise implementation procedures.
“We are also conducting a detailed technical assessment, in collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies, to fully understand the scope of these tariffs and their implications for Jamaica’s trade and industrial policy,” Holness said.
He noted that preliminary analysis indicates that some of the country’s top exports may fall under exempted product categories “and we are working to confirm and where possible, to expand these exemptions”.
“Again, I must emphasise that clarity is still needed on several matters. Furthermore, there may also be opportunities to be found and we must, therefore, be proactive and prospective,” the prime minister said.
He added that the government will continue to advocate for manufacturers and exporters to ensure their interests are protected in any new global trade architecture.
“So, to our manufacturers and exporters, we understand the uncertainty this announcement has created and we are with you every step of the way. You are not only integral to our economic strategy, you are national champions of our resilience and ingenuity,” the prime minister assured.
He stressed that the developments do not reflect any erosion in the long-standing and strong bilateral relationship between Jamaica and the United States; rather, it reflects a broader recalibration of US trade policy that is global in scope.
“Still, we will use every available diplomatic channel, including working with our CARICOM brothers and sisters and utilising the Office of Trade Negotiations, to seek to preserve the position our exporters have secured over decades of deepening trade ties with the United States,” Holness said.
Meanwhile, the Jamaican leader said his administration will continue working to ensure the country secures its economic independence, even as it remains alert and responsive to evolving global trade dynamics that affect manufacturers and exporters.
“Yes, it is uncertain times, but we have done the necessary work. We have built the relationships; we have placed ourselves in strategic positions to be heard and to be heard from and to be consulted. When these changes are going to happen, we know that they could have long-term impact; we started planning long ago,” he said.
“You have a government that is thinking very carefully, very strategically. I play chess, not draughts…. Maybe a decade ago, the word disruptive would have been an inherently bad thing. In today’s world, you require disruption of systems for there to be innovation and new opportunities. So, whilst we see the downside of the disruptive global order that we have now, we are not going to sit by and wait.”
Holness urged manufacturers and exporters to explore new opportunities: “There are opportunities that must be had. There are prospects to be uncovered, and so I urge my manufacturers, my businesspeople, before you start to look at the negative, also look for the opportunities. Don’t just sit down and complain about all the things that’s going on and all the things that’s going bad, expecting that government is going to solve all the problems for you. Be the entrepreneur; be the one who is the risk-taker, and be the one who is looking for the opportunity.”
CMC/ed/2025