By Belize Live News Staff: Belize is now among over 60 countries affected by sweeping new U.S. import tariffs announced this week by U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision imposes a flat 10% tariff on all imported goods, making Belize’s key exports to the U.S. immediately more expensive.
In response, Belize’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday, saying, “Our officials are currently and rapidly analyzing the information and will be consulting with the relevant stakeholders to ensure Belize’s economic interests are safeguarded through bilateral dialogue with U.S. officials and coordination with CARICOM.”
Minister of State for Finance Chris Coye said in a Zoom interview that a cross-ministerial team — including officials from Finance, Foreign Affairs, Economic Development, and the Central Bank — met urgently to assess the implications.
“The 10% tariff is a baseline for all imports into the U.S., but some exceptions apply, particularly for petroleum,” Coye noted.
Coye added that Belize is focusing on mitigating the impact on key exports such as sugar, which is protected under a quota system and likely to continue uninterrupted. Consultations with major exporters are ongoing ahead of the April 5th implementation date.
