During the holiday season, residents in Antigua and Barbuda, especially those last-minute shoppers look forward to the ABST free weekend offered by the government.

This year, the temporary reduction will take place from Friday December 19 to Sunday December 21.

Cabinet made the announcement this week.

The temporary ABST reduction is expected to boost retail activity, increase consumer spending, and benefit small and medium-sized businesses across the islands.

In the face of rising global food and import costs, the recent measures to zero-rate essential food imports, is part of the government’s commitment to help households manage inflationary pressures.  

The holiday season is typically a peak period for consumer spending. These relief measures are expected to stimulate demand, support retail and trade sectors, and help sustain incomes for workers in commerce, distribution, and hospitality.

These measures reflect government’s ongoing commitment to support Antiguans and Barbudans, especially at times when they need it most. It is not just about immediate relief, but also about sustaining the lifeblood of commerce, reinforcing local supply chains, and ensuring that the benefits of growth touch the wider population.”