Archive · 29 Jul 2025
Caribbean Nations Eye Africa for Trade Amidst Economic Shifts
CARICOM, a group of Caribbean countries, wants to trade more with Africa.
They're looking to do this because they aren't sure about their current trading partners.
Right now, the U.S. is their biggest trading partner.
A leader in CARICOM said they need to open doors for more trade with Africa.
The Caribbean islands are also easily hurt by things like economic problems, diseases, and climate disasters.
They've worked with Africa before to get money for slavery and climate change.
CARICOM is seeking to expand trade with Africa due to uncertainty with traditional partners.
The U.S. is CARICOM's largest trading partner, accounting for a significant portion of exports and imports.
CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett emphasized the need to increase trade between the regions.
The Caribbean region is vulnerable to global economic shocks.
CARICOM has previously collaborated with Africa on issues like slavery reparations and climate change compensation.
- Who
- CARICOM nations and the Caribbean Community Secretary-General Carla Barnett.
- What
- CARICOM seeks increased trade with Africa.
- When
- As of the reporting, at the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum.
- Where
- At the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in Grenada.
- Why
- Due to growing uncertainty with traditional trading partners, such as the U.S.
Uncertainty in Traditional Trade
Expanding Trade Opportunities
Trade Partners
Uncertainty in Traditional Trade
Growing economic shocks and trade protectionism from traditional partners (U.S., Canada, and Europe) are creating uncertainty for Caribbean nations.
Expanding Trade Opportunities
Not applicable
- CARICOM Trade with Africa
- Less than 3% of overall trade
- U.S. Exports to CARICOM (2023)
- $43.4 billion
- U.S. Imports from CARICOM (2023)
- $38.8 billion
- U.S. Tariffs
- Baseline 10% tariff on nearly all trade partners