Fonseca Eyes New Markets as US Tariffs Bite

Belize just got hit with a ten percent tariff on exports heading to the U.S., and we’re not alone. Nearly ninety countries are feeling the squeeze as part of a sweeping move by the Trump Administration. The US government wants to bring jobs and manufacturing back to America. But for smaller nations like Belize, where agriculture exports are a lifeline, this could spell trouble. Foreign Affairs Minister Francis Fonseca says the government is already working to open up new markets for Belizean products, hoping to soften the blow and keep our industries afloat.

 

Francis Fonseca, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“The ten percent is in effect. So that’s something that we’ve been working on for a long time with the private sector engagement. As you rightly pointed out it’s an across the board ten percent tariff, We are concerned here in Belize really about peppers, pepper sauces, rum, and of course sugar. We’re always concerned about sugar. But again, we’re working with them, talking to them. And especially through CARCOM, we’re still trying to get the CBI waiver. CARICOM is working very effectively and aggressively on that issue that looks very promising. We feel, good about where we are on that issue.”