CARICOM Ramps Up Response to U.S. Tariff Threat Ahead of Deadline

As the July 9 deadline looms, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders convened on July 7 to craft a unified response to the U.S. government’s “America First” trade policy – which imposes a 10 percent tariff on most Caribbean imports, with Guyana facing a steep 38 percent.

The meeting, chaired by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, underscored the urgency of the moment, calling it a “critical juncture” in regional trade relations with the United States, CARICOM’s largest trading partner.

Though the U.S. temporarily paused the tariffs for 90 days, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has prioritized negotiations with other partners during this window. In response, CARICOM is ramping up regional coordination and outreach to key allies to mitigate economic fallout.

Outgoing CARICOM Chair and Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley previously urged the U.S. to reconsider the move, while leaders emphasized the need for resilience amid growing global trade tensions and unilateral policies threatening economic stability.

At the 26th session of the CARICOM Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on External Trade Negotiations – held as part of the 49th Regular Meeting of CARICOM heads of government – leaders also focused on market diversification, supply chain strengthening, and strategic partnerships.

With unity now more crucial than ever, CARICOM aims to present a firm, collective front as the deadline approaches and the stakes rise.