Former Banker Calls for Caribbean Nations to Establish Direct Trade Routes Amid U.S. Tariff Challenges
Everett Christian, a former banker and management consultant, is calling on Caribbean nations to set up direct trade routes that would circumvent the United States in reaction to President Donald Trump’s newly implemented tariffs.
During an appearance on Observer AM, Christian suggested establishing a regional free trade zone in Jamaica, which would allow CARICOM nations to import goods directly from manufacturers, helping to protect consumers from rising prices and avoiding US ports and their associated tariffs.
As a result of Trump’s recent tariff policy, Antigua and Barbuda, along with 12 other CARICOM member states, are now facing a minimum 10 percent tariff on exports to the US, while Guyana is burdened with a steeper 38 percent tariff on its oil exports.
Christian elaborated that by consolidating orders from various CARICOM countries and shipping them to Jamaica, regional importers could “bypass US ports and the tariffs on both the ships and the goods,” allowing for easier transshipment to other islands.
He emphasized that while the current situation poses challenges, it also offers an opportunity for enhanced regional collaboration. “Even though there are negative impacts, as we’ve already seen, there are also potential benefits that could arise from it,” he noted.
Christian urged CARICOM governments to present a united front in addressing the challenges posed by the tariffs, suggesting that the policies of the Trump administration could ultimately promote stronger regional economic integration in the long run.
This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/04/10/former-banker-calls-for-caribbean-nations-to-establish-direct-trade-routes-amid-u-s-tariff-challenges. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.
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