Bridgetown, April 7 (RHC)-- Caribbean Community (CARICOM) President Mia Amor Mottley warned citizens of the region about a possible price increase as a result of the tariffs imposed by the United States, and called for regional unity.
The leadership of the Caribbean organization highlighted the heavy dependence of Caribbean economies on imports, which makes them particularly vulnerable to global price fluctuations and the trade policies of other nations, mentioning that many products come directly from or pass through the United States.
Statement from the CARICOM Chair on the impact of the global crises on the Caribbean.
"Our world is in crisis. I will not sugarcoat it. These are among the most challenging times for our Region…"
Click the link for the full statement: https://t.co/0quhu3YJX5
The prime minister of Barbados and CARICOM president warned of the direct impact on prices for Caribbean consumers due to recent announcements, specifically the possibility of a levy of $1 million to $1.5 million on Chinese-made ships entering U.S. ports, which would translate into higher prices in various sectors such as food, electronics, and other goods.
President Mia Amor Mottley emphasized that no sector of Caribbean society will be immune to these effects, regardless of occupation or geographic location. "It is not a distant problem; if you buy food, medicine, or technology, you will feel the impact in your pocketbooks," she warned.
The Caribbean leader insisted on regional unity as a crucial factor in overcoming the challenges. Mottley also pointed to multiple interconnected crises affecting the region, including a climate catastrophe, a cost-of-living crisis due to the disruption of supply chains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation, a mental health crisis, rising crime, and international conflicts, warning of the danger of a collapse of the international order and a global trade war.
The Barbadian prime minister also advocated for redoubling efforts in agricultural production and light manufacturing in the Caribbean, promoting the consumption of local and regional products. She proposed strengthening ties with Africa, Central and Latin America, as well as renewing relations with traditional partners in the United Kingdom, Europe, and Canada, seeking to diversify markets.
Given this situation, Mottley stated that CARICOM will convene an urgent meeting of trade ministers next week to assess the situation and concluded with a call for regional unity.
[ SOURCE: teleSUR ]
