Masquerade Bands Navigate Challenges with Rising Shipping Tariffs on Chinese Goods

Masquerade bands gearing up for Crop Over are bracing for escalating shipping tariffs on Chinese goods—a move by the Donald Trump administration that threatens costume production and could force bands to absorb substantial financial losses, the bands’ leading spokesman has told Barbados TODAY.

Bryan Worrell, head of the Barbados Association of Masqueraders (BAM), confirmed that bandleaders are closely monitoring international trade developments, especially new tariffs that could significantly impact imports from China—the industry’s primary source for costume materials.

By June, when bands typically begin importing fabric, feathers, trims, and decorative elements, Worrell said a collective decision will need to be made. They must have a plan of action and decide whether to buy goods from China after they arrive in the US or find an alternative way to obtain the costume essentials.

Despite the looming threat, Worrell sought to assure revellers that the rising costs would not be passed on to consumers—at least for this year.

Earlier this month, Trump announced a 54 per cent tariff—equivalent to US$1.5 million (BDS$3 million)—on all Chinese-flagged ships entering US ports. Given Barbados and the wider Caribbean’s reliance on maritime transport from the US, the decision has serious implications for regional importers, including Crop Over producers who depend on Chinese supply chains routed through North America.

While economists have suggested that Barbados could explore alternative trading routes, it remains unclear whether these options would be cost-effective.

“Bands will have to pay close attention to it because, as expected, it has gotten out of hand,” Worrell told Barbados TODAY. “So, for anybody shipping anything out of China—us included—it would impact your costs. So, it would be a concern.”

Chinese suppliers have long dominated the masquerade industry, providing everything from rhinestones and costume trims to ready-made swimwear and full costume sets. Several Crop Over bands are heavily dependent on these imports for both raw materials and finished products.

“Most of the raw materials for the bands come from China,” Worrell explained. “Then there are some bands that actually get the swimwear ready-made there. So their production is actually done in China.”

The newly imposed tariffs complicate these supply chains—especially for bands that rely on trans-shipment through US ports. While alternative routes may avoid the tariffs, Worrell warned that not all bands would be able to afford the added cost or logistical burden.

“There are other routes, so you don’t have to go through the US to get band materials. But if not, you pay the tariffs. You have to look to see what the financial implication is in terms of how much more it would cost you on your bottom line,” he said.

The timing of the tariff increase is particularly problematic. With most Crop Over bands having already launched their 2025 costume designs and set prices, any additional import costs would now have to be absorbed internally.

“Unfortunately for us, prices for most of the bands would be out already,” Worrell noted. “So, in terms of the changes now for pricing or shipping that you may have estimated—it would be something else. You would have to absorb that loss. You can’t change prices now.”

He confirmed that concern is mounting among bandleaders over how rising shipping costs could erode profit margins, particularly for smaller bands operating on tight budgets. If alternate sourcing options are not viable, losses could be unavoidable.

“The significance of that, I can’t say for each band because it will vary. But it’s definitely something that we’re keeping an eye on,” Worrell said.

The alarm was raised after he received direct communication from a Chinese supplier regarding the impending tariff increase. He has since advised BAM members to begin contingency planning.

“We’ve got to start working on a plan.”

With peak shipping for Crop Over expected to ramp up in June and July, the industry is now hoping for either a de-escalation in US-China trade tensions or the emergence of affordable logistics solutions.

“I am hopeful that we find a solution,” Worrell said. “We don’t want anything to affect our ability to keep prices as reasonable as possible. That’s the aim—to offer the most reasonable prices we can. But obviously, we’re running businesses as well. If your overheads go up, then it passes on to the consumer. Hopefully, we don’t get to that.”

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb