How Changing U.S. Tariff Policies Are Affecting Caribbean Exporters
What Caribbean brands need to know…and how they can adapt

For decades, Caribbean exporters have looked to the United States as a primary market for growth. With its massive consumer base, established distribution networks, and high demand for international food and beverage products, the U.S. has long been seen as the “promised land” for Caribbean brands ready to scale.

But as global trade tensions escalate and tariff policies evolve, that path to the U.S. shelf is becoming more complex, and in many cases, more costly.

The Current Tariff Landscape

In recent years, the U.S. has adopted a more protectionist stance, revisiting trade agreements and imposing new tariffs on a wide range of imported goods. While much of the attention has focused on China and the EU, Caribbean nations are feeling the ripple effects, especially as tariffs impact ingredients, packaging materials, and even finished goods.

For small and medium-sized businesses across the Caribbean, the consequences are immediate and tangible:

• Increased landed costs reduce competitiveness on U.S. shelves
• Thinner profit margins make it harder to reinvest in scaling production or marketing
• Unpredictable duty rates challenge long-term planning and pricing strategies

These challenges are especially difficult for emerging brands that already face barriers like limited production capacity, lack of U.S. representation, and regulatory hurdles such as FDA compliance. 

Who’s Affected Most?

Food and beverage brands are among the hardest hit. From sauces and snacks to rum and ready-to-drink beverages, Caribbean products often rely on imported packaging or specialty ingredients that themselves may be subject to tariffs. In some cases, finished goods face duty rates that push them out of price parity with domestic or NAFTA-preferred products.

Moreover, many Caribbean exporters operate without the scale or leverage to negotiate better logistics deals or to absorb rising costs. This means the tariff impact is disproportionately heavy for smaller brands trying to break into the U.S. market.

What Can Caribbean Brands Do?

Navigating this new trade environment doesn’t mean retreat, it means getting smarter. Caribbean brands looking to export to the U.S. need to:

• Understand their tariff classifications (HS codes) and any applicable duty rates
• Explore Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) such as the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) that may reduce or eliminate duties
• Evaluate product reformulation or packaging alternatives that can shift classification or reduce tariff impact
• Partner with U.S.-based import/export professionals who can advise on duty deferral programs or customs-bonded warehousing
• Stay educated through platforms like the Market Access Series that provide expert-led insights on these evolving trade realities

Join the Conversation: Tariff Talks on June 18th

Trade Trek USA, in partnership with AMCHAM Trinidad & Tobago, is proud to present the next session of the Market Access Series:

Tariff Talks: Understanding the Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Caribbean Exports
Wednesday, June 18 | 2:00 PM EST | Zoom

This session will break down what the new tariff structures mean for your business and how you can safeguard your profit margins while staying competitive in the U.S. market.

Click here to register.

And if you missed our first session on Compliance, you can catch up now by watching the full recording on our YouTube channel:

In this new era of global trade, knowledge is power, and adaptation is survival.
We are here to help Caribbean brands grow smarter, stronger, and more export-ready than ever before.