The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has reaffirmed its approval for a major reduction in duties on essential food items, following a July 2025 decision from CARICOM’s Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) to allow a zero-percent CET rate on select commodities until June 30, 2026.
The measure is expected to provide relief to consumers grappling with global price increases. Items benefiting from reduced duties include fresh vegetables, fruits, canned proteins, legumes, infant cereals, and cooking oils.
Cabinet further instructed:
- Customs to finalize and submit HS 2022 documentation to Parliament by December 31, 2025,
- The Prices and Consumer Affairs Division to aggressively monitor retail prices,
- A report to be submitted to Cabinet within 30 days on whether price reductions are reaching consumers.
The Cabinet also directed Minister of Agriculture Hon. Anthony Smith to coordinate with Guyana to source more affordable fresh produce, following discussions between Prime Minister Gaston Browne and President Irfaan Ali on the margins of COP30.
