Jamaica must ‘import smarter’ amid US tariffs, says Senator Marks

NEW YORK:

Jamaica must adopt smarter import strategies in response to the global 10-per-cent tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump, according to Minister without Portfolio in the Office of the Prime Minister, Senator Audrey Marks.

“We need to become smarter in how we import goods,” she declared at a farewell function in her honour hosted by Jamaican consul general to New York, Alsion Wilson, at the consulate’s Manhattan offices on Thursday.

Senator Marks, who has ministerial responsibility for efficiency, innovation and digital transformation, acknowledged that Jamaican consumers will feel the effects of the tariffs in the short term.

Noting that although exporters will bear the brunt of the tariffs, Marks explained to The Gleaner that 90 per cent Jamaica’s export to the US is covered under the Caribbean Basin Initiative agreement, which means that Jamaica is not expecting any massive increase on export into the US market.

“The United States has a trade surplus with Jamaica,” she said.

When asked specifically about the implications for large Jamaican companies that export to the US, she stated that the government was still reviewing the impact it might have.

Marks, who until recently served as Jamaica’s ambassador to the United States, noted that existing trade agreements and free trade mechanisms provide opportunities for Jamaica to maximise its exports. She stressed that the tariffs are not specific to Jamaica, but are part of a broader US policy affecting global trade.

To address the challenges posed by the tariffs, the senator said she plans to meet with Jamaican exporters and importers to explore ways to mitigate their impact.

“We will have to determine how we can mitigate the impact of the tariffs on our exporters,” she told The Gleaner.

In 2023, the United States accounted for approximately 50 per cent of Jamaica’s exports and 41.3 per cent of its imports.

BUREAUCRATIC REFORM

Discussing Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ directive for her to streamline Jamaica’s bureaucracy, Senator Marks revealled that she would be forming an advisory council rather than a traditional task force.

“We have had task forces before, and reports are there. I believe an advisory council will be more effective,” she said.

“I will be calling on the diaspora in this regard because we have the expertise abroad that can help make a difference in streamlining government services.”

One of the key areas she aims to address is the long wait time at Jamaican banks, an issue frequently raised by members of the diaspora. She stated that bankers have already reached out to her for discussions on improving customer service.

Pointing out that her portfolio spans multiple ministries, Marks noted that outdated laws and regulations continue to hinder government services.

“We will have to incorporate technology into these regulations to better serve the public,” she said.

As she transitions into her new ministerial role, Marks assured members of the diaspora that she remains committed to maintaining strong ties and engaging them in Jamaica’s development efforts.

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