Belize Reviews Impact of New U.S. Tariff Policy

The Government of Belize is closely monitoring the new U.S. tariff regime announced by President Donald Trump and is taking steps to assess its potential economic impact.

Trump slapped Belize with a 10% reciprocal tariff.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, officials are analysing the details of the policy shift and will be engaging with relevant stakeholders to safeguard Belize’s economic interests. The ministry’s full statement reads, “The Government of Belize takes note of the new U.S. tariff regime announced yesterday by President Donald Trump. Our officials are currently and rapidly analysing the information and will be consulting with the relevant stakeholders to ensure Belize’s economic interests are safeguarded through bilateral dialogue with U.S. officials and coordination with CARICOM.”

The latest SIB figures show that Belize exported $3.4M to the US in February 2025.

Other Caribbean countries are reacting to Trump’s announcement. Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda expressed concerns about the inflationary consequences for Caribbean nations, highlighting that approximately 80% of Antigua and Barbuda’s trade is tied to the U.S., with most food imports originating there. He warned that higher shipping costs, resulting from new policies affecting vessels built in China, could increase container shipping rates by thousands of dollars, further raising the cost of imported goods.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves also warned about the potential severe economic consequences for the Caribbean if the U.S. proceeds with a proposal to impose a one million US dollar fee on any Chinese-built vessel calling at U.S. ports.