Caption: As US President-elect Donald Trump dances as the Village People perform at a MAGA victory rally at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on January 19, 2025, one day ahead of his inauguration ceremony. Photo by Jim WATSON/AFP
AZP News Commentary
DONALD Trump’s sweeping decision to impose a 10% tariff on all imports into the United States has triggered alarm bells across the globe.
Trinidad and Tobago is no exception and for a small, trade-dependent nation like ours, this is nothing short of an economic disaster. The US is our largest trading partner, and this move immediately raises the cost of our exports, making them less competitive in an already tough international market.
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Our goods, whether in energy, manufacturing, or other areas, will now carry a heavier price tag, which threatens to reduce demand and reduce one of our most critical revenue streams.
The damage doesn’t end there. This tariff has the potential to slow our economy even further. As demand for our exports falls, so too will production, and with that comes the risk of job losses, decreased foreign exchange even more, and weakened investor confidence.
Any perception of economic instability can drive away any potential foreign investment, something we already struggle to attract under the current government. Additionally, if exporters turn to the local market to offload their goods, domestic prices can rise considerably, pushing the hardship onto everyday citizens. This isn’t just a trade issue, it’s a threat to national economic security.
The PNM Government has once again been caught off guard. Theo poor management misjudged what Trump could do and they are now seeing what he can do. This administration has had ample warning of Trump’s protective of domestic interests agenda and failed to respond with any meaningful strategy.
There has been no aggressive pursuit of new trade alliances, no robust plan to diversify our exports, and no diplomatic effort to shield our economy from external shocks like this one. It is another glaring reminder that under PNM rule, Trinidad and Tobago remains unprepared, vulnerable, and stagnant in a world that is rapidly evolving.
This latest development is not just a result of U.S. policy, it is the consequence of our Government’s inaction. The PNM Government has failed to protect our national interests and has left the country exposed at a time when foresight and leadership are desperately needed. Trinidad and Tobago deserves a government that doesn’t just react to the world but is ready for it. Once again, the PNM has failed us. Vote them out!
Neil Gosine is an insurance executive and the current candidate of the United National Congress (UNC) for Chaguanas West in the April 28, 2025, general elections. He is also an ex-treasurer of the UNC and a former chairman of the National Petroleum Marketing Company of Trinidad and Tobago (NP). He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, a Master’s in Business Administration MBA, BSC in Mathematics and a BA in Administrative Studies. The views and comments expressed in this column are not necessarily those of AZP News, a Division of Complete Image Limited
