Antigua Looking to Europe and South America for Cheaper Food Imports, PM Says

Prime Minister Gaston Browne says Antigua and Barbuda is seeking new food supply arrangements in Europe and South America as the government tries to reduce consumer prices and shield the country from rising tariff costs tied to North American imports.

Speaking on Pointe FM on Saturday, Browne said the government is actively pursuing alternative markets and is close to finalizing a transshipment arrangement that could significantly reduce food costs.

“We are about to conclude a transshipment deal as well, which will open up other markets in Europe and South America,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister said the move comes as Antigua and Barbuda faces growing pressure from global tariff increases that could raise the cost of goods imported through the United States and other traditional suppliers.

“If the United States increases tariffs by 10%, 15%, or 20% on countries that we buy from, automatically our prices will increase,” Browne said.

“So it’s not that we want to go elsewhere now. We’ve been forced to look to other markets,” he added.

Browne said government officials recently reviewed pricing analyses from prospective suppliers and found some products could cost substantially less than current imports sourced through North America.

“The analysis of the prices are such that they can get up to a 40% reduction,” he said.

The Prime Minister said Cabinet has already instructed the Central Marketing Corporation to ensure any savings are transferred directly to consumers rather than retained as additional profit.

“The instructions of the Cabinet are to the ministry and to CMC that those savings should be passed on to consumers,” Browne said.

He said the government’s broader objective is to lower the cost of living while improving food security and reducing Antigua and Barbuda’s dependence on a limited number of suppliers.

“We’re looking at all possibilities to not only reduce the cost of everything but to make sure we get good quality products from other markets,” Browne said.

The Prime Minister expressed optimism that residents could begin benefiting from the new arrangements within months.

“Hopefully, within the next few weeks, months, Antigua and Barbudans will have some alternatives that will help to drive down the cost of living,” Browne said.

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