Posted: Tuesday, April 22, 2025. 1:12 pm CST.
By Aaron Humes: In a significant development for the Caribbean shipping industry, Tropical Shipping has been exempted from proposed port fee tariffs that would have imposed a hefty US$1 million charge per U.S. port call. This decision comes in response to strong advocacy efforts from Caribbean leaders and organizations following an executive order from President Trump aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
The exemption means that Tropical Shipping’s customers will not face the previously proposed additional costs of $3,000 per 40-foot container load, a relief that President and CEO Tim Martin hailed as a “huge victory for us and the entire Caribbean region that we serve.”
“We could not have accomplished this without the relentless advocacy from our Caribbean representatives in Washington, D.C., our customers, and the numerous organizations that outlined the adverse effects these port fees would have had,” Martin stated.
The pushback against the proposed surcharges was highlighted by a substantial response from Caribbean leaders and businesses, a factor that reportedly took U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) committee members by surprise. “One of Tropical’s core values is, ‘Responsiveness is our driving force.’ Caribbean communities were our driving force on this issue,” Martin added, expressing gratitude to various stakeholders including dedicated employees, customers, and political representatives including U.S. Virgin Islands delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett, Virgin Islands Governor Albert Bryan, and prominent leaders from other Caribbean nations such as President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana and Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados.
Across the region, advocacy efforts culminated in a recent determination from the USTR that has been hailed by the CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) as a crucial win. A statement from CPSO Chairman Gervase Warner emphasized the significant implications of keeping shipping costs manageable, noting potential crippling consequences for inflation, shortages, and delays in the supply chain.
Warner credited this success to the collaborative efforts among key private sector stakeholders and the unwavering commitment of Caribbean heads of government, led by Prime Minister Mottley. The CPSO also highlighted the vital role played by the Caribbean community, noting record attendance at coordination meetings aimed at formulating responses to the USTR’s proposals.
The CPSO has long sought exemptions for specific shipping categories, with the USTR ultimately accommodating requests for exemptions pertaining to ‘short sea’ shipping and specialized cargo transport. The collaborative advocacy extended beyond geographic boundaries, gaining assistance from various organizations, including the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, Atlantic Council, and others.
As Tropical Shipping looks ahead, CEO Martin reiterated the company’s commitment to continuing its advocacy in Washington D.C. to develop long-term strategies for U.S. shipbuilding, ensuring American carriers are poised for future challenges.
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The post Tropical Shipping exempted from US$1 million port fee tariffs amidst strong advocacy appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Tuesday, April 22, 2025. 1:12 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: In a significant development for the Caribbean shipping industry, Tropical Shipping has been exempted from
The post Tropical Shipping exempted from US$1 million port fee tariffs amidst strong advocacy appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
