The Government of Saint Lucia has taken a proactive step in response to recently announced tariff increases by the United States, establishing a task force to evaluate and mitigate their impact on the nation’s economy and trade sector.
Chaired by Honourable Emma Hippolyte, Minister for Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, Cooperatives, and Consumer Affairs, the task force convened its inaugural meeting today. The move comes after U.S. President Donald Trump announced on February 1, 2025, a series of tariff hikes, including a 25% additional tariff on imports from Mexico and Canada and a 10% tariff on imports from China. Additionally, energy sources from Canada will be subjected to a lower 10% tariff.
These measures have raised concerns about their potential impact on Saint Lucia’s trade relationships, businesses, and overall economic stability. In response, the newly formed task force—established through a Cabinet Conclusion—will analyze the economic and trade implications of these tariffs and develop strategies to mitigate any negative effects.
Key Objectives of the Task Force:
- Monitor the impact of the tariffs on Saint Lucia’s exports to the United States.
- Analyze the effects of tariff increases on imported goods and supply chains.
- Advise exporters, businesses, and stakeholders on strategies to navigate the new trade landscape.
- Recommend policies to help local businesses adjust to the changes in U.S. market conditions.
The task force will be supported by a technical sub-committee comprising representatives from government ministries, private sector organizations, and trade-related agencies. Meetings will be held bi-weekly, with reports submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers to guide national policy decisions.
Minister Hippolyte underscored the importance of a strategic and collaborative approach, stating: “The government is committed to ensuring that Saint Lucia remains resilient in the face of global economic challenges. This task force will provide data-driven insights and strategic recommendations to support our businesses and economy.”
The Government of Saint Lucia has pledged to keep stakeholders informed and engaged as the task force conducts its assessment and formulates recommendations.
Stay tuned for further updates as this initiative unfolds.