CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley Calls for Stronger Global Alliances Amid Rising Trade Tensions

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Chair and Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, has issued a renewed call for the Caribbean to deepen its ties with Africa, Central and Latin America, while also revitalizing long-standing relationships with traditional allies in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Canada.

In a candid video message shared on her official Facebook page on Saturday, Mottley addressed growing global trade tensions sparked by the United States’ imposition of a 10 percent baseline tariff on all imports, along with steeper duties on select countries. She stressed that the Caribbean must expand its trade partnerships and reduce reliance on a narrow group of markets.

“We must not rely solely on one or two markets,” Mottley said. “The Caribbean needs access to broader, more stable global markets to ensure our economic resilience.”

In a firm yet diplomatic message to the United States, Mottley emphasized the enduring friendship between the U.S. and the Caribbean.

“To the United States, I say this simply: we are not your enemy – we are your friends,” she said. “We welcome your citizens to our shores, offering them unforgettable experiences.

I ask President Trump to consider the decades of friendship between our nations. Our small economies pose no threat to yours. Let us talk, and let us work together to keep costs down for all our people.”

Mottley warned that the world stands on the edge of a global trade war, threatening the stability of international systems and supply chains. She noted that the Caribbean, heavily dependent on imports, would be particularly vulnerable.

Alongside her fellow CARICOM Heads of Government, Mottley said the region has been working to diversify its economic base – with encouraging progress in agriculture – but much remains to be done.

“Announcements made in the past few days will affect us directly as a region and as a people,” she cautioned.

Highlighting the real-world consequences of global tariffs, she pointed to the proposed U.S. levy of $1 to $1.5 million on Chinese-made ships entering American ports. “This will mean higher prices — at your corner shop, in your supermarket, at your electronics store, and beyond.”

Mottley dispelled the notion that global economic shifts don’t impact ordinary Caribbean citizens.

“Many people might think, ‘I’m just a farmer,’ ‘a teacher,’ or ‘a mechanic in St. Lucia, Barbados’ or ‘Portmore, Jamaica’ — that this doesn’t concern them. But if you buy food, clothes, electronics — it affects you. It affects all of us,” she said.

She reiterated that CARICOM economies are small and susceptible to global shocks. Even if the region eliminated all internal tariffs, it would barely cushion the blow of global trade disruptions. “This isn’t just about goods — tourism could also take a serious hit,” she added.

A Call for Regional Collaboration

Mottley called on the Caribbean’s private sector – especially the tourism industry – to urgently collaborate with governments to develop a robust regional strategy.

“What’s next?” she posed.

The Prime Minister outlined several action steps:

1. Engage Directly with the U.S.
   “We must initiate high-level dialogue with the United States immediately,” she said. “There’s a fundamental truth both sides must face — Caribbean microstates do not enjoy any outsized financial advantage over the U.S. in trade.”
2. Avoid Internal Political Conflict
   She urged leaders across the region not to exploit the situation for political gain, calling instead for unity.
3. Invest in Regional Production
   “We must grow and produce as much of what we need as possible,” Mottley stressed, pointing to the importance of local agriculture and light manufacturing.

She concluded with a message of solidarity to fellow leaders and citizens alike:

“If we come together, set aside our differences, and support our small businesses and producers – we will emerge stronger. I urge everyone: buy local, buy regional, and support each other.”