ST. JOHN’S, Antigua – Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), E.P Chet Greene has welcomed the revised measures announced by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding China’s maritime, logistics and shipbuilding practices.
COTED chair, EP Chet Greene (File Photo)United States President, Donald Trump, plans to impose a one million US dollar to US$1.5 million levy on all Chinese made ships entering US harbors and Caribbean countries have warned that such a policy will lead to increase inflation and severely hamper their respective economies.
“As Chair of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), I welcome the announcement by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) on the revised measures under the Section 301 investigation into China’s maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding practices. The inclusion of a special exemption for CARICOM member states is a significant and timely achievement for our region,” Greene said in a statement.
He commended CARICOM leaders “for their principled leadership and strategic engagement, which ensured our collective concerns were heard and addressed,” noting the role played by CARICOM chair, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley and the Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne for their stewardship and unwavering advocacy throughout the discussions.
“This outcome reflects the strength of regional unity and the results we can achieve through coordinated action. It is the product of sustained diplomacy, rigorous technical submissions, and robust collaboration among CARICOM governments, the regional private sector, and international partners. It underscores our commitment to safeguarding Caribbean maritime trade and the economic viability of small island states,” said Greene, who is also Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs.
He said that he also had to acknowledge “the exceptional contribution of the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO)” led by its chief executive officer and technical director, Dr. Patrick Antoine.
“The CPSO’s technical insight and strategic advocacy were critical throughout this process. Their submissions to the USTR not only articulated the region’s unique vulnerabilities but also reinforced the legitimacy of our position.”
Greene said that the CPSO’s coordination with key maritime partners, including the Tropical Shipping, Seaboard Marine, the Port Management Association of the Caribbean (PMAC), and the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA) “ensured that regional realities were reflected in the USTR’s final decision”.
He said in its determination, ”the USTR specifically acknowledged the CPSO/Caribbean Coalition submission and incorporated special provisions addressing short sea shipping and regional trade, an important recognition of CARICOM’s structural maritime dependencies”.
Greene also acknowledged the role played by the US Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett “for her steadfast support and deep understanding of Caribbean vulnerabilities.
“Her longstanding advocacy for Caribbean–US relations played a vital role in this success. This is a proud moment for CARICOM. It demonstrates the power of unity, the impact of strategic partnerships, and the importance of expert advocacy in shaping global trade outcomes.”
Greene said going forward the decision by the USTR “opens the door for renewed engagement with the United States.
“With the strong technical foundation laid by the CPSO and the Caribbean Community Secretariat, I encourage the Community to consider advancing discussions toward a mutually beneficial trade agreement,” he said, adding “let us continue to act with purpose, speak with one voice, and build a resilient economic future for all CARICOM member states”.
