Government says the 10% tariff announced by the US Government for T&T is the lowest applicable rate.
T&T is one of several countries recently listed by the US Trade Representative as being subject to this rate, following an investigation into the use of forced labour.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs says Minister Sean Sobers participated in technical discussions with the USTR.
It adds that a legislative approach was also taken, with the Finance Minister piloting amendments to the Customs Act to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour.
According to the statement, a 15% tariff was originally set in August 2025.
It says the decision to apply “the lowest rate of 10%” on T&T was due to actions taken “to impose prohibitions on the importation of goods produced wi the forced labour”.
It adds that since exemptions are listed by the USTR, over 85% of T&T’s exports to the US carry 0%.
See the full statement:
