Amid the growing global trade tensions, Mottley warned that the measures announced by US President Donald Trump this week include tariffs on imports from more than 60 countries, so essential goods will become more expensive in the Caribbean.

The CARICOM chief underscored that the region depends heavily on imports, and most consumer products, from food to electronic devices, come from the United States or transit through its logistics chain.

“It is not a distant problem; if you purchase food, medicine, or technology, you will feel the impact on your pockets,” Mottley warned, and alluded to an almost certain increase in the cost of living.

The Barbadian prime minister explained that the indirect tariffs will also affect the regional economy due to the integration and dependence on supply channels.

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