In response to the latest reforms in U.S. trade policies, Minister of Commerce Emma Hippolyte, who also chairs the Joint Ministerial Task Force on U.S. Tariffs, affirms that the government has not received any official communication through diplomatic channels regarding these changes.
On Thursday, the government, through the specially established Task Force to “Monitor and Evaluate the Effects of Changes in U.S. Trade Policies,” directly addressed the private sector and trading community regarding the implications of these new U.S. tariffs, changes in shipping rates, and potential opportunities from the revised trade framework.
“We are implementing mitigating measures, which will be presented to the Cabinet for approval,” Minister Hippolyte stated. She confirmed that the Task Force submitted an important report to the cabinet one week ago, and official statements will follow once the cabinet endorses these recommendations.
The report also outlines a comprehensive Public Relations strategy aimed at frequent communication with all Saint Lucian stakeholders.
Addressing consumer concerns about potential price increases due to these tariffs, Minister Hippolyte asserted, “Our government is committed to addressing these issues and is actively exploring alternative measures to mitigate the impact.”