Antigua Cabinet Outlines Strategy to Import Cheaper Goods via Dominican Republic

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has outlined a strategy to source food, vehicles, and consumer goods directly from Central and South America through Dominican Republic ports, as part of efforts to avoid higher costs linked to new U.S. tariffs.

Chief of Staff Lionel Max Hurst told Monday’s post-Cabinet press briefing that Antigua is positioning itself to bypass traditional U.S. transshipment hubs, which are becoming more expensive due to tariffs on Chinese-manufactured goods.

“With tariffs likely to drive up costs for goods passing through the United States, it makes economic sense to import directly from ports like Santo Domingo,” Hurst said.

He noted that key products, including electric vehicles from China, grapes and wine from Chile, and beef from Argentina, could be imported more affordably through new supply routes anchored in the Dominican Republic. Antigua is also exploring the opportunity to expand regional shipping connections to further stabilise consumer prices.

A task force has been appointed to examine logistics, identify priority goods, and assess the feasibility of using Antigua’s expanded port facilities as a regional transshipment hub for the Eastern Caribbean.

Hurst said the move is part of a broader effort to build resilience against external economic shocks and to protect local consumers from global price volatility.

Further updates on the new supply chain initiative are expected later this year.

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