Barbados Private Sector Chief Urges Focus on Local and Regional Goods Amid US Tariff Concerns

Chairman of the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA), Trisha Tannis, is advising Barbadians to turn to locally and regionally manufactured goods as a buffer against potential inflationary shocks from a new wave of United States (US) tariffs.

In an interview with the Sunday Sun, Tannis cautioned that while the region should remain vigilant, Barbadians should “not hit the panic button just yet”, noting that it was still “early days” in understanding the full implications of the measures.

Tannis said the private sector was closely monitoring recent tariff escalations by the US particularly those targeting Chinese imports, which are expected to have cascading effects on Caribbean economies due to their reliance on that country’s transshipment hubs.

Short-term strategy “Barbadians should begin to think more consciously

about buying local and regional products. That might be our best defence in the short term, particularly for items that are wholly produced here and don’t rely on imported inputs,” she said.

The BPSA head acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that many goods manufactured locally still relied on raw materials and components imported via the US, which could see price hikes due to new tariff layers.

“Even if something is made here, if its ingredients or packaging are coming from abroad – especially through US ports – we may still feel the effects.”

US President Donald Trump recently announced a round of significant import tariffs aimed at protecting American industries. These include steep levies on Chinese goods, which are expected to impact Caribbean imports that are routed through US logistics systems, especially those passing through California ports and making their way east to the region. (CLM)