US plan to penalise vessels built in China will gravely affect SVG, region – PM

Prime Minister, Dr Ralph Gonsalves has expressed concern that if a particular new US shipping proposal is implemented, it could have a devastating impact on shipping and trade in the Caribbean, including St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Gonsalves was commenting on the announced plan by the United States administration to revive ship building in the US by imposing steep levies on Chinese-made ships making calls to US ports. Speaking on NBC radio on Wednesday, March 26,2025, Gonsalves said “ this matter, if implemented as proposed by the US, it will be one of the most severe blows to the economies of the Caribbean”.

The matter has caught the attention of the Heads of Government of CARICOM and was discussed by them in a Zoom meeting last week.

The US Trade Representative, who is responsible for shipping, has made a proposal of potential trade action in connection with allegations of China’s targeting of maritime, logistics and shipping in the US.

The Prime Minister noted that “the Trump administration is determined to curb Chinese influence globally, and in our hemisphere.”

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