US tariffs: Fish & agro products among exports in focus; Finance Minister to meet with local exporters

Finance Minister Dr. Ashni Singh will meet with local exporters who may be affected by the new United States tariff on Friday, according to Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo.

He highlighted that fish, shrimp, and agricultural goods are among the exports that could be affected by the 10% across-the-board tariff, as other top exports like petroleum products, bauxite ore, and gold are exempt from the tariff.

US President Donald Trump said he would impose a 10% baseline tariff on all imports to the U.S. and higher duties on dozens of other countries. Guyana was among the countries to face a “reciprocal tariff,” a higher tax rate of 38%.

On Thursday, however, Jagdeo reminded reporters that US President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause on the reciprocal tariffs announced for some countries, though tariffs on China were increased and remain in effect. Still, the 10% universal tax remains in place.

He said the lion’s share of Guyana’s exports will be exempt from the tariffs, but other exports like fish, shrimp, and agricultural goods are likely to be affected.

Jagdeo said these exports are “smaller in magnitude but very impactful on people’s lives.”

As such, the government wants to engage the exporters to see how they can be better supported. He also noted that the government wants to engage President Trump on the tariffs.