By Sue-Ann Wayow
TRINIDAD and Tobago agricultural products now stand to benefit from zero reciprocal tariffs on items such as critical nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers entering the US market.
On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs announced via media release that the local market will be positively affected by US President Donald Trump Executive Order relating to reciprocal tariffs applied under the US tariff regime.
Last Friday, Trump signed the Order reversing an earlier decision made on April 2 when the items were subjected to a 15% tariff.
The ministry stated Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and the ministry underwent high level diplomacy with the US to secure relief for local exporters.
The release stated, “President Trump’s decision represents a major win for the global agricultural sector and broader manufacturing industries, as nations worldwide, including Trinidad and Tobago, have been engaged in strategic negotiations surrounding the imposition of increased US tariffs.
“Trinidad and Tobago will be among the beneficiaries, as the United States will now impose zero tariffs on key nitrogen and phosphate fertilisers, including Anhydrous Ammonia, Urea, and Urea-Ammonium Nitrate (UAN). Trinidad and Tobago maintains a multi-billion-dollar export relationship with the United States, its single largest trading partner for both imports and exports.”
The Foreign Affairs Ministry stated last year, T&T exported approximately TT$3 billion in Anhydrous Ammonia, Urea, and UAN under tariff codes to the US.
“These products will now enter the US market duty free, enhancing the competitiveness of Trinidad and Tobago’s exporters and protecting jobs across the national value chain,” the release stated.
The ministry also reminded the public of negotiations with US diplomats including the prime minister’s visit to the US in September to meet with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs Sean Sobers said, “The government of Trinidad and Tobago understands the serious impact of increased tariffs. We will continue to work tirelessly with the United States, pursuing a multipronged negotiation strategy to achieve further relief and sustained success.”
He also assured that government through its various ministries will continue strengthening relationships with the US for the market to become more favourable for T&T’s energy and non-energy exports into the world’s largest economy.
