Regional Body Lobbies U.S. For Exceptions To Fees And Tariffs

UNITED STATES – The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association is urging the U.S. to rethink proposed port fees and tariffs on Chinese-made vessels, warning they could hurt both the Caribbean and Florida tourism.

The group says new service fees, up to $1.5 million per port call, would raise import costs, increase prices for tourists, and weaken demand.

In a submission to U.S. trade officials, CHTA called for Caribbean exemptions, pointing to the $91 billion tourism generates for the region.

President Sanovnik Destang says the industry is still recovering from the pandemic and can’t afford new economic pressure.