GCCI flags shipping companies for hiking fees, sidelining local businesses

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has officially raised concerns about the “unfair and unconscionable practices” in Guyana, which range from hiking fees and the unilateral extension of peak-period pricing to the sidelining of local businesses’ imports for clearance to prioritise large foreign companies.

In a statement, the private sector organisation said, “these acts have far-reaching consequences for businesses, consumers, and the pace of development.”

The GCCI noted that unjustified cost increases and delayed deliveries of goods lead to higher consumer costs and negatively impact the operations of local businesses.

It added that, of particular concern, are the impacts of arbitrary price hikes and delays on businesses that are deadline-driven and tied to predetermined costs, such as those in the construction sector.

In late 2025, the Chamber said it met with the Guyana Customs House Brokers and Clerks Association, and following their complaints, sought a meeting with the Shipping Association of Guyana to address the challenges highlighted.

However, to date, attempts to relieve the situation have proven futile; however, the iniquitous conduct by companies within the shipping industry cannot continue unchecked.

As such, it is calling on the Shipping Association to meet with its members and rectify this situation with urgency as the implications of their actions have troubling ripple effects on the business landscape.