Growth potential for SVG Vegetable exports to the US, figures suggest

LOCAL STATISTICS SHOW that in 2024, the United States of America (USA) purchased goods worth approximately $8.4 million from St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

And while the number is not significant as it relates to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), US President Donald Trump’s unilateral 10% baseline tariff on all imports from many countries, including St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) can affect some local exporters, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves stated.

According to a Reuters report, on April 5, 2025, U.S.A customs agents began collecting President Trump’s 10% tariff on all imports.

On Monday last week during a press briefing, Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves, said the 10% baseline tariff implemented by the USA on goods from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and other countries is minimal in relation to SVG, and not expected to do much damage.

The initial 10% “baseline” tariff paid by U.S. importers took effect at U.S. seaports, airports and customs warehouses at 12:01 p.m on Saturday April, 5,2025 ushering in Trump’s full rejection of the post-World War Two system of mutually agreed tariff rates.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the leading export categories include, molluscs at $201,000; and precious metal scraps at $49,300.

The Ministry notes that while SVG’s export volume to the U.S. is modest compared to its imports, certain products have established a presence in the U.S. market.

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