MIAMI - The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), has called on the United States to consider alternative measures to imposing tariffs and port fees on Caribbean des-tinations, noting the “considerable mutual benefits that tourism brings to both the Carib-bean and the United States, particularly Florida”.
The CHTA said that it is advocating for modifications to the port-related policies currently under consideration, and is calling for a new approach to strengthen and safeguard the two-way ties in trade and travel between the region and the United States.
President Donald Trump last Wednesday announced far-reaching new tariffs on nearly all US trading partners ranging from a 34 per cent tax on imports from China and 20 per cent on the European Union, among others, in a move economists and other traders say is designed to dismantle much of the architecture of the global economy and trigger broader trade wars. In the case of the Caribbean, Trump announced a 10 per cent tariff on most regional countries, while in the case of Guyana, the tariff is as high, as 38 per cent.
The US president also announced plans to impose a one million US dollar to US$1.5 million levy on all Chinese made ships entering US harbours.
In a statement, the CHTA, which describes itself as the region’s leading association representing private-sector tourism interests, cited its recent submission to the US Trade Representative (USTR) and other US officials in response to a call for comments regarding proposed port service fees.
“The organisation argues that these fees, coupled with tariffs, will significantly increase the cost of imports, raising costs for both land and cruise travellers, and ultimately reduce traveller demand and spending.” (Jamaica Gleaner)
