Antigua and Barbuda To Export Bottled Sparkling Water, Paper

Trade Minister EP Chet Greene says the government is planning the establishment of a sparkling water bottling plant aimed primarily at export, as part of a broader strategy to expand local manufacturing and reduce Antigua and Barbuda’s dependence on imports.

Speaking during the 2026 Budget Debate in Parliament, Greene said the water facility, which will use glass bottles, is one of four new manufacturing enterprises expected to come on stream in 2026. He described the plant as being designed “predominantly for export,” with an interjection during the presentation clarifying the product as sparkling water.

Greene told lawmakers that the water bottling operation is part of a wider push to strengthen export capacity while also supporting import substitution, helping to ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves.

In addition to the sparkling water plant, Greene said two paper-based manufacturing operations are also expected to be established next year, both with what he described as export capacity and potential. He also announced plans for a beer production factory, which would expand domestic beverage manufacturing and reduce reliance on imported products.

The trade minister said the government is deliberately moving Antigua and Barbuda away from being an almost entirely import-dependent economy, using manufacturing and exports to build greater economic resilience.

Greene linked the export-focused manufacturing drive to broader economic diversification efforts, saying it is intended to create jobs, stabilise supply chains and generate foreign exchange through locally produced goods.

While he did not name specific export destinations, Greene said the initiatives are aligned with Antigua and Barbuda’s expanding diplomatic and trade relationships, positioning local manufacturers to access external markets.

The projects form part of the government’s wider trade and industrial policy agenda for 2026.

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