Sixteenth Report to Congress on the Operation of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act United States Trade Representative December 2025  This report was prepared by: Project Leader Darrian Frazier Contributors USTR Functional Offices, Office of Economic Affairs, and the Office of General Counsel U.S. State Department Embassies in the Caribbean and South and Central America Under the direction of Daniel L. Watson, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for the Western Hemisphere i Table of Contents Table of Contents ......................................................................................................................................... i Figures ......................................................................................................................................................... iii Tables .......................................................................................................................................................... iii Abbreviations and Acronyms ................................................................................................................... iv Executive Summary ................................................................................................................................... vi Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1 I. Description of the Caribbean Basin Initiative ...................................................................................... 4 Key Product Eligibility Provisions ........................................................................................................ 4 CBERA................................................................................................................................................. 4 CBTPA ................................................................................................................................................. 4 Trade Act of 2002 ................................................................................................................................ 5 HOPE Act ............................................................................................................................................ 5 HOPE II Act ........................................................................................................................................ 6 HELP Act ............................................................................................................................................. 6 Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 ......................................................................................... 6 Beneficiary Countries and Territories .................................................................................................. 7 Anti-Transshipment Provisions ............................................................................................................. 8 Safeguard Provisions .............................................................................................................................. 9 Rum Provisions ....................................................................................................................................... 9 Tax Provisions ....................................................................................................................................... 10 Reports ................................................................................................................................................... 10 Meetings with Caribbean Basin Trade Ministers .............................................................................. 11 Other Provisions.................................................................................................................................... 11 II. U.S. Trade in Goods with CBI Countries .......................................................................................... 12 U.S. Imports ........................................................................................................................................... 12 CBI Tariff Preferences: Top Sources of U.S. Imports ....................................................................... 14 U.S. Exports ........................................................................................................................................... 15 III. Utilization Potential ............................................................................................................................ 17 Utilization Gap ...................................................................................................................................... 17 Highlights of Products from the Caribbean Traded with the United States ................................... 18 Yam and Jamaica .............................................................................................................................. 18 Rum and Barbados, Guyana, and Jamaica .................................................................................... 19 IV. Eligibility Criteria .............................................................................................................................. 20 ii CBERA “Mandatory” Criteria............................................................................................................ 20 CBERA “Discretionary” Criteria........................................................................................................ 22 CBTPA Eligibility Criteria .................................................................................................................. 24 Haiti HOPE/HELP Requirements ....................................................................................................... 25 V. Country Reports: Compliance with Eligibility Criteria ................................................................... 28 Antigua and Barbuda ........................................................................................................................... 28 Aruba ..................................................................................................................................................... 33 The Bahamas ......................................................................................................................................... 37 Barbados ................................................................................................................................................ 42 Belize ...................................................................................................................................................... 46 British Virgin Islands ........................................................................................................................... 51 Curaçao .................................................................................................................................................. 55 Dominica ................................................................................................................................................ 59 Grenada ................................................................................................................................................. 63 Guyana ................................................................................................................................................... 68 Haiti ........................................................................................................................................................ 73 Jamaica .................................................................................................................................................. 77 Montserrat ............................................................................................................................................. 82 Saint Kitts and Nevis ............................................................................................................................ 86 Saint Lucia ............................................................................................................................................. 90 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ....................................................................................................... 94 Trinidad and Tobago ............................................................................................................................ 98 VI. Summary of Public Comments ........................................................................................................ 102 ACT | The App Association ................................................................................................................ 102 American Apparel & Footwear Association ..................................................................................... 102 CARICOM Private Sector Organization .......................................................................................... 103 Gildan Activewear Inc. ....................................................................................................................... 103 Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy .............................................................................................................. 103 National Pork Producers Council ...................................................................................................... 103 U.S. Meat Export Federation ............................................................................................................. 104 Appendix I ............................................................................................................................................... 110 iii Figures Figure 1: U.S. imports under CBERA, by major product categories, 2020-2024; In millions of dollars .............................................................................................................................................. 2 Figure 2: U.S. imports for consumption from CBERA beneficiary countries, by import program and as a share of total imports from beneficiary countries, 2024; In billions of dollars and percentages. ..................................................................................................................................... 3 Tables Table 1: CBERA and CBTPA beneficiary countries and territories. ............................................. 8 Table 2: U.S. Merchandise Trade with CBI beneficiary countries, 2020-2024 and January-July of 2024 and 2025; in millions of dollars and percentages. ........................................................... 12 Table 3: U.S. Imports for Consumption from CBI Countries by Program, 2022-2024 and January-June of 2024 and 2025; in millions of dollars and percentages. ..................................... 13 Table 4: U.S. exports to CBI Countries, 2020-2024 and January-June of 2024 and 2025; in millions of dollars. ........................................................................................................................ 15 Table 5: U.S. imports of CBI-eligible tariff lines by beneficiary country, 2024; in dollars. ....... 17 iv Abbreviations and Acronyms Acronyms Terms AAFA American Apparel & Footwear Association BVI British Virgin Islands CAFTA-DR Central America-United States-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement CARIBCAN Caribbean-Canada Trade Agreement CARIFORUM Caribbean Forum CBERA Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act CBI Caribbean Basin Initiative CBP U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBSI Caribbean Basin Security Initiative CBTPA Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act CET Common External Tariff CPSO CARICOM Private Sector Organization CSME CARICOM Single Market and Economy DOL U.S. Department of Labor ECCU Eastern Caribbean Currency Union EITI Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative EU European Union EPA Economic Partnership Agreement FDI Foreign Direct Investment FRAA Foreign Relations Authorization Act of 2003 FTA Free Trade Agreement GATT General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade GDP Gross Domestic Product GPA WTO Agreement on Government Procurement GSP U.S. Generalized System of Preferences HELP Act Haiti Economic Lift Program Act of 2010 HOPE Acts HOPE I and HOPE II (see below) HOPE I Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006 HOPE II Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008 HPAI Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza HS Harmonized System (global tariff schedule) HTS Harmonized Tariff Schedule (United States tariff schedule) IACAC Inter-American Convention against Corruption ICSID International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes IEEPA International Emergency Economic Powers Act IMF International Monetary Fund INCSR International Narcotics Control Strategy Report KPA Korps Politie Aruba v LNG Liquefied Natural Gas MFN Most-Favored Nation MLAT Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty NPPC National Pork Producers Council NTR Normal Trade Relations OAS Organization of American States OECS Organization of Eastern Caribbean States OSH Occupational Safety and Health PCT Patent Cooperation Treaty SOE State-Owned Enterprise TAICNAR Technical Assistance Improvement and Compliance Needs Assessment and Remediation Program TDA Trade and Development Act of 2000 TFA WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement TRIPS WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights UK United Kingdom UN United Nations UNCAC United Nations Convention against Corruption USITC U.S. International Trade Commission USMCA United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement USMEF U.S. Meat Export Federation USTR Office of the U.S. Trade Representative WCT WIPO Copyright Treaty WIPO World Intellectual Property Organization WPPT WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty WTO World Trade Organization vi Executive Summary The U.S. trade preferences programs for the Caribbean and Central American region were launched in 1983 by the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) and are known collectively as the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI). As of 2025, the CBI provided 17 countries and dependent territories with duty-free access to the U.S. market for most goods. CBI trade preferences were expanded through the enactment of the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA) in 2000, relevant provisions in the Trade Act of 2002, the Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006 (HOPE Act), the HOPE II Act of 2008, the Haitian Economic Lift Program Act of 2010 (HELP Act), and the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 and 2020 amendments. Combined with economic reform and other actions taken by beneficiary countries and territories to liberalize their trade regimes, the CBI is intended to help beneficiaries in the region diversify their exports and contribute to their economic growth.1 The eligibility criteria contained in the CBI statutes, including the revised factors outlined in the CBTPA, were designed to advance U.S. policy objectives supported by Congress and past administrations. In 2024, CBI beneficiaries supplied $11.8 billion of U.S. imports of goods, ranking 36th among U.S. import suppliers.2 The share of U.S. imports of goods from CBI beneficiaries has fluctuated from 2022, totaling 0.4 percent in 2024. Imports from CBI beneficiaries dropped slightly from $11.6 billion in 2022 to $9.7 billion in 2023,3 before increasing back to $11.6 billion in 2024. U.S. imports under the CBI tariff preferences (not including imports under the Haiti HOPE and HELP Acts) increased slightly to $1.5 billion in 2024, from $1.4 billion in 2023, and decreased more significantly from $2.1 billion since 2022. The increase of 5.8 percent in 2024 was preceded by a decrease of 31.6 percent in 2023. During 2024, total imports that entered under the CBI were $1.5 billion and accounted for 12.9 percent of total U.S. imports from CBI beneficiary countries and territories. The regional average utilization rate of CBI preferences was 27.7 percent in 2024, a decrease from 36.9 percent in 2023. Trinidad and Tobago was the main source of petroleum products imported under CBI preferences in 2024, making up 100 percent of such imports. Haiti was the largest supplier of the U.S. textile and apparel imports among CBI beneficiaries. U.S. exports to the region have been a corollary benefit of the CBI. The total value of U.S. exports in goods to CBI beneficiaries amounted to $16.5 billion in 2023, a 10.1 percent decrease from the  1 This report uses the term “beneficiaries” to refer to the sovereign countries and dependent territories that receive preferential access to the U.S. market in accordance with the provisions of the CBERA, the CBTPA, or both. 2 Import statistics discussed in this report are imports for consumption unless otherwise noted. 3 The decrease from 2022 to 2023 is attributed, in part, to a decrease in methanol and energy imports in 2023 from Guyana. Specifically, the USITC reported that crude oil imports from Guyana during this period were first stored in The Bahamas before being shipped to the United States and, therefore, not eligible for CBERA preferences. (USITC, Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries, 27th Report, September 2025; DataWeb/Census, U.S. imports for consumption, accessed February 10, 2025). vii previous year.4 In 2024, U.S. exports in goods were $17.6 billion, a 6.8 percent increase from 2023. Collectively, the CBI region ranked 20th among U.S. export destinations in 2024 and absorbed 1.0 percent of total U.S. exports to the world. U.S. total goods trade (domestic exports plus imports for consumption) with the CBI beneficiaries was $29.2 billion in 2024. The U.S. goods trade surplus with the CBI beneficiaries reached $6.1 billion in 2024, an 11.3 percent decrease from 2023. Under the Biden Administration, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) also engaged with CBI beneficiary trading partners under the CBI framework and the United States-Caribbean Community (CARICOM)5 Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA). In 2023, USTR and CARICOM held a Trade and Investment Council meeting in Georgetown, Guyana. The last edition of this report, published in 2023, included data on the rates of utilization of the CBI program by beneficiaries. That report highlighted several products for which duty-free treatment under the CBI was not claimed. In some cases, there has been an increase in utilization: from 13 percent in 2022 to 48 percent in 2024 in the case of kola nuts from Jamaica, and an increase from 3 percent in 2022 to 47 percent in 2024 in the case of non-silver precious metal jewelry from The Bahamas. In 2025, the Trump Administration implemented new policies designed to fundamentally reform the global trading system, including by imposing new tariffs to address the United States’ global trade deficit in goods. On April 2, 2025, President Trump imposed tariffs, including on CBI beneficiaries, under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), in order to address a lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships, disparate tariff rates and non-tariff barriers, and trading partners’ economic policies that suppress domestic wages and consumption, as indicated by large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits. At that time, a 10 percent tariff was imposed on exports, subject to certain exceptions, from most CBI beneficiaries. Guyana, however, was given an initial tariff of 38 percent to reflect that it is among those trading partners with which the United States has the most disproportionate trade deficits, and of which Guyana’s surplus equaled $4.1 billion in 2024.6 On July 31, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order modifying the IEEPA tariffs for certain countries, imposing a 10 percent tariff on countries with which the United States had a 2024 trade surplus and a 15 percent tariff with which the United States had a small 2024 trade deficit. Among CBI beneficiaries, the tariff on imports from Guyana was reduced from 38 percent to 15 percent. The tariff on imports from Trinidad and Tobago was increased from 10 percent to 15 percent to reflect its contribution to the U.S. trade deficit, for  4 Export statistics discussed in this report are domestic exports (excluding re-exports) unless otherwise noted. 5 CARICOM is composed of 15 member states: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago; and six associate member states: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, and Turks and Caicos Islands. 6 See Executive Order 14257 of April 2, 2025: Regulating Imports With a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices That Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits, 90 Fed. Reg. 15,041 (Apr. 7, 2025). viii which its trade surplus equaled $421 million in 2024. The tariff on imports into the United States from other CBI beneficiaries remained at 10 percent.7  7 See Executive Order 14326 of July 31, 2025: Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates, 90 Fed. Reg. 37,963 (Aug. 6, 2025). 1 Introduction The CBI is a series of trade preference programs designed to facilitate the development of stable economies in the Caribbean. It was launched in 1983 with the passage of the CBERA and substantially expanded in 2000 with the CBTPA and later with the Trade Act of 2002. The HOPE Act, the HOPE II Act of 2008, and the HELP Act have provided additional benefits for textile and apparel products from Haiti. As of 2025, the CBI unilaterally provides 17 countries and dependent territories with duty-free access to the U.S. market for most goods. The CBI program was created to facilitate economic development, increase production, and enhance export diversification of the Caribbean Basin economies. Pursuant to section 212(f) of the CBERA, on a biennial basis, USTR is required to submit a report to Congress with the results of the general review of beneficiaries and their performance with respect to the eligibility criteria. This is USTR’s sixteenth report on the operation of the CBERA, and it encompasses the 2023-2025 period. The report describes the different provisions of the CBI statutes and the eligibility criteria of the program, assesses trade flows between the United States and beneficiaries, notes utilization gaps throughout the region, reviews compliance of each beneficiary country and territory with CBI eligibility criteria, and summarizes public comments submitted for the preparation of this report. On April 2, the President declared a national emergency pursuant to the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), determining that a lack of reciprocity in bilateral trade relationships, disparate tariff rates and non-tariff barriers, and trading partners’ economic policies that suppress domestic wages and consumption, as indicated by large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits, constituted an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States. The President invoked emergency powers under IEEPA, to impose global reciprocal tariffs to address this national emergency. These reciprocal tariffs apply to goods imported from all trading partners, including CBI beneficiary countries and territories. To date, the tariff on imports into the United States from CBI beneficiaries has been set at 10 percent, with the exception of imports from Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, which are among those trading partners with which the United States has small bilateral trade deficits, and which thus are subject to a 15 percent tariff. The application of tariffs on imports from CBI beneficiaries may impact the trade in goods data represented in the report from January to June 2025. Chapter I of this report provides a description of the CBI and key product eligibility provisions. Chapter II then examines the current state of U.S. goods trade with the CBI beneficiaries. Figure 1 below shows the top product categories imported to the United States under the CBERA between 2020 and 2024. 2 Figure 1: U.S. imports under CBERA, by major product categories, from 2020-2024 Source: USITC, Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries, 27th Report, September 2025; DataWeb/Census, U.S. imports for consumption, accessed March 5, 2025. Note: Agriculture products are imported under HS chapters 1 through 24; energy products are imported under HTS subheading 2905.11.20 (methanol) and under HS chapter 27 (other energy products); textile and apparel products are imported under HS chapters 50-63, 65; and other mining and manufactured products are products not included under other major product categories. The CBERA and CBTPA programs cover close to 5,800 tariff lines at the HTS 8-digit level for products from Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the British Virgin Islands, Curaçao, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. While the CBI covers a broad base of products and industries throughout the Caribbean, Chapter III of this report includes an appraisal of the program’s utilization. Figure 2 below shows the share of imports, including leading products, entering under the different import programs. Ϭ ϱϬϬ ϭ͕ϬϬϬ ϭ͕ϱϬϬ Ϯ͕ϬϬϬ Ϯ͕ϱϬϬ ϯ͕ϬϬϬ ϮϬϮϬ ϮϬϮϭ ϮϬϮϮ ϮϬϮϯ ϮϬϮϰ DŝůůŝŽŶΨ ŐƌŝĐƵůƚƵƌĞ DĞƚŚĂŶŽůĂŶĚĞŶĞƌŐLJ dĞdžƚŝůĞƐĂŶĚĂƉƉĂƌĞů KƚŚĞƌŵŝŶŝŶŐĂŶĚŵĂŶƵĨĂĐƚƵƌŝŶŐ 3 Figure 2: U.S. imports for consumption from CBERA beneficiaries, by import program and as a share of total imports from beneficiaries, in 2024 Source: USITC, Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries, 27th Report, September 2025; DataWeb/Census, U.S. imports for consumption, accessed March 5, 2025. Note: “NTR” refers to normal trade relations (this is the U.S. term; it has the same meaning as most-favored nation, or MFN). Imports entering the United States may enter either free of duty or subject to a rate of duty. Imports can also be subject to a quota or TRQ and could enter duty free if within the quota and subject to a duty if over the quota. “CBERA-exclusive” imports are imports of products eligible for preferential treatment only under CBERA. “CBERA- nonexclusive” imports are imports of products that entered the United States under CBERA, but were also eligible for duty-free entry under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP). “Avg. tariff” is the ad valorem equivalent tariff collected on entry—that is, the total of the duties collected, divided by the customs value of the imports. EdZĚƵƚLJĨƌĞĞ ;ϯϳ͘ϳйͿ EdZĚƵƟĂďůĞ ;ϰϲ͘ϯйͿ ZĞdžĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ;ϱ͘ϭйͿ Z ŶŽŶĞdžĐůƵƐŝǀĞ ;ϭϬ͘ϳйͿ '^W ;Ϭ͘ϭйͿ dŽƚĂů Ϭ͘Ϭ Ϯ͘Ϭ ϰ͘Ϭ ϲ͘Ϭ ϴ͘Ϭ ϭϬ͘Ϭ ϭϮ͘Ϭ ϭϰ͘Ϭ ŝůůŝŽŶΨ /ŵƉŽƌƚWƌŽŐƌĂŵ Ψϰ͘ϰďŝůůŝŽŶ ǀŐ͘ ƚĂƌŝī͗ Ϭ͘Ϭй >ĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ͗ ʹ DŝŶĞƌĂů ĨƵĞůƐ ʹ /ŶŽƌŐĂŶŝĐ ĐŚĞŵŝĐĂůƐ Ψϱ͘ϰďŝůůŝŽŶ ǀŐ͘ ƚĂƌŝī͗ Ϭ͘Ϯй >ĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ͗ ʹ DŝŶĞƌĂůĨƵĞůƐ ΨϬ͘ϲďŝůůŝŽŶ ǀŐ͘ ƚĂƌŝī͗ Ϭ͘Ϭй >ĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ͗ ʹ ƉƉĂƌĞů Ψϭ͘ϮďŝůůŝŽŶ ǀŐ͘ ƚĂƌŝī͗Ϭ͘Ϭй >ĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ͗ ʹ KƌŐĂŶŝĐ ĐŚĞŵŝĐĂůƐ ʹ DŝŶĞƌĂů ĨƵĞůƐ ʹ sĞŐĞƚĂďůĞƐ ΨϮϬŵŝůůŝŽŶ ǀŐ͘ ƚĂƌŝī͗ Ϭ͘Ϭй >ĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ͗ ʹ ĂŶĞƐƵŐĂƌ Ψϭϭ͘ϲďŝůůŝŽŶ ǀŐ͘ ƚĂƌŝī͗ Ϭ͘ϭй 4 I. Description of the Caribbean Basin Initiative Key Product Eligibility Provisions CBERA The CBERA, enacted in 1983, allows the President to grant unilateral duty-free treatment for imports of eligible articles from CBI beneficiaries.8 In order to receive benefits, products generally must: a) be imported directly from a CBI beneficiary country or territory into the U.S. customs territory; b) be wholly the growth, product or manufacture of a CBI beneficiary country or territory or be substantially transformed into a new or different article in the CBI beneficiary country or territory; and c) contain a minimum of 35 percent content of one or more CBI beneficiaries (15 percent of the minimum content may be from the United States). In 1990, the CBERA was amended to provide an increase in market access to the United States and make the CBERA permanent. These amendments expanded the trade and tax benefits of the original statute, including: a 20 percent tariff reduction on certain leather products; duty-free treatment for products produced in Puerto Rico and further processed and imported from CBI beneficiaries; and duty-free treatment for products from CBI beneficiaries that are made from 100 percent U.S. components. In addition, the list of products eligible for duty-free treatment was expanded through two Presidential proclamations. In 1991, 94 tariff categories were provided new or expanded duty-free treatment, and in 1992, 28 tariff categories were provided new or expanded duty-free treatment. These proclamations make the scope of the CBERA match the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program.9 Textile and apparel articles, and petroleum and certain products derived from petroleum were excluded from duty-free treatment under the original CBERA. CBTPA In October 2000, the United States enacted the CBTPA to enhance existing CBERA preferences.10 The CBTPA recognized the significance of apparel as a component of CBI exports to the United States and expanded the degree of preferential treatment applied to U.S. imports of apparel made in the Caribbean Basin region. The CBTPA has been renewed several times since it was enacted in 2000. It was most recently renewed in October 2020 and is set to expire September 30, 2030. Under the CBTPA, duty- and quota-free treatment is provided for apparel assembled in CBI beneficiaries from U.S. fabrics formed from U.S. yarns and cut in the United States (the “yarn forward” rule). If the U.S. fabrics used in the production of such apparel are cut into parts in a CBTPA beneficiary country or territory rather than in the United States, the apparel must also be sewn together with U.S. thread in order to qualify for preferential treatment. Duty- and quota-free  8 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 201, 97 Stat. 384 (1983). 9 The GSP program expired on December 31, 2020. 10 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Pub. L. No. 106-200, § 211, 114 Stat. 276 (2000). 5 treatment is also available for certain knit apparel made in CBTPA beneficiaries from fabrics formed in the Caribbean Basin region, provided that the fabric is formed from U.S. yarns. This “regional fabric” benefit for knit apparel is subject to an annual quantitative limit, with a separate limit provided for t-shirts. Duty- and quota-free treatment is also available for certain brassieres, certain textile luggage, and apparel made in CBI beneficiaries from fabrics determined not to be available in commercial quantities in the United States, and designated “hand-loomed, handmade, or folklore” articles.11 In addition to these apparel preferences, the CBTPA provides tariff treatment equivalent to that extended to Mexican products under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), for certain items previously excluded from duty-free treatment under the CBI program. These products are: footwear, canned tuna, petroleum products, certain watches and watch parts, certain handbags, luggage, flat goods, work gloves and leather wearing apparel. Trade Act of 2002 The Trade Act of 2002 amended the CBERA to grant additional benefits to Caribbean Basin apparel products.12 Specifically, these changes permit the use of U.S. and regional knit-to-shape components in eligible apparel articles. The Trade Act of 2002 also grants preferences to “hybrid articles,” which are articles that contain U.S. and regional components, and specifies that both fabric and knit-to-shape components may be used in eligible articles. In addition, the Trade Act of 2002 substantially increases the annual quantitative limit for eligible knit apparel articles and nearly doubles the separate limits for t-shirts. The Act also requires that for apparel assembled in the region from U.S. knit or woven fabrics, all dyeing, printing, and finishing of the fabric must be done in the United States. HOPE Act The United States enacted the HOPE Act of 2006 to make Haiti eligible for specific trade benefits.13 Under the CBTPA, apparel imports from Haiti only qualify for duty-free treatment if they are made from yarns or fabric from the United States, Haiti, and in some cases, certain former beneficiaries (i.e., current CAFTA-DR partner countries). The HOPE Act expanded duty-free benefits for Haitian-made apparel to allow the use of yarns and fabrics from other countries. Under the value-added quota program, apparel imports from Haiti qualify for duty-free treatment as long as a threshold percentage (currently 60 percent14) of the value of inputs and processing costs is from any combination of the United States, FTA partner countries, or regional preference program partner countries. The quota level, calculated on an annual basis, is 1.25 percent of total U.S. apparel imports, and has historically been underutilized.  11 The products and articles listed include subheadings within HTS codes 9802 and 9820. 12 Trade Act of 2002, Pub. L. No. 107-210, § 101, 116 Stat. 933 (2002). 13 Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-432, § 5001, 120 Stat. 3180 (2006). 14 19 U.S.C. §2703a(b)(1)(B)(v)(I). 6 The HOPE Act also introduced a quota program for woven apparel (up to 70 million square meter equivalents annually), so that as long as the apparel is wholly assembled or knit-to-shape in Haiti, the apparel can be made of yarns and fabrics from any country. Finally, the HOPE Act allows automotive wire harnesses imported from Haiti that contain at least 50 percent by value of materials produced in Haiti, the United States, FTA partner countries, or regional preference program beneficiaries to qualify for duty-free treatment. HOPE II Act The HOPE II Act of 2008 maintained and expanded the original HOPE Act.15 Similar to the woven apparel quota program established in the HOPE Act, the HOPE II Act provides for duty-free access for up to 70 million square meter equivalents of knit apparel (with some t-shirt and sweatshirt exclusions) annually. The HOPE II Act also provides for duty-free treatment of any kind of apparel under an earned import allowance program that provides allowances for the purchase or manufacture of qualifying fabric (sourced from the United States or certain trade partner countries) shipped to Haiti for production of apparel. Those allowances may be used to obtain duty-free treatment on Haitian-made apparel regardless of the source of the fabric. The HOPE II Act also provides for duty-free treatment for certain brassieres, luggage, headgear, and certain sleepwear. The HOPE II Act allows these Haitian goods to enter the United States duty-free if they are shipped either directly from Haiti or through the Dominican Republic. HELP Act The HELP Act was enacted in May 2010.16 The HELP Act expanded preferences for certain apparel products from Haiti (namely, providing for an increase in quota levels for the knit and woven apparel quotas from 70 to 200 million square meter equivalents) and established new preferences for certain non-apparel textile goods. Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 The Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 (TPEA) extended duty-free benefit programs for Haiti until September 30, 2025.17 The TPEA extended the special duty-free preferences provided under the HOPE Act, HOPE II Act, and the HELP Act for textiles and apparel, assembled in Haiti and imported to the United States from Haiti or the Dominican Republic. The TPEA also extended the value-added quota for apparel articles wholly assembled or knit-to-shape in Haiti for an additional seven years ending December 19, 2025, with the quota level remaining at 1.25 percent of total U.S. apparel imports.  15 Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2008, Pub. L. No. 110-246, § 15401, 122 Stat. 2289 (2008). 16 Haiti Economic Lift Program Act of 2010, Pub. L. No. 111-171, § 1, 124 Stat. 1194 (2010). 17 Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, Pub. L. No. 114-27, § 101, 129 Stat. 361 (2015). 7 The Haiti HOPE and HELP trade preference programs expired on September 30, 2025. At the time of this reporting, there was a pending vote for Congress to potentially reauthorize these programs. Notwithstanding the potential extension, imports from Haiti remain subject to the 10 percent IEEPA tariff imposed on April 2, 2025. Beneficiary Countries and Territories As of 2025, 17 countries and dependent territories received benefits under the CBERA, the CBTPA, or both. Chapter IV of this report discusses the CBERA and CBTPA eligibility criteria and provides a summary of the CBI beneficiaries’ compliance with these criteria. The President is authorized to terminate a country’s designation, or to limit, suspend, or withdraw CBI benefits if conditions change with regard to performance in connection with the statutory eligibility criteria.18 The CBERA identified 27 countries and dependent territories as eligible to be designated as CBERA beneficiaries on January 1, 1984: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Montserrat, Nicaragua, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, Suriname, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, and Turks and Caicos. On April 11, 1986, Aruba was designated as a beneficiary effective January 1, 1986, upon becoming independent of the Netherlands Antilles. On October 2, 2000, President Clinton designated all countries eligible to be designated for CBERA, except Anguilla and Suriname, as beneficiaries under the CBTPA.19 To be eligible for beneficiary designation, the CBTPA additionally requires countries and dependent territories to have implemented or be making substantial progress toward implementing certain customs procedures based on those contained in the USMCA.20 As of the date of this report, eight countries have satisfied this requirement and have been designated as fully eligible to receive the enhanced benefits of the CBTPA: Barbados, Belize, Curaçao, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. The President may designate additional CBTPA eligible beneficiaries, provided that they satisfy the customs-related requirements. Suriname requested beneficiary status in 2009, but it has not been designated as a beneficiary. In 2014, Aruba requested CBTPA beneficiary status, but has also not been designated as a beneficiary. Sint Maarten, which had previously been eligible for CBERA and CBTPA benefits as part of the Netherlands Antilles, did not seek to continue independently as a beneficiary. Seven countries are no longer eligible for CBERA or CBTPA benefits because they entered into a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States, and ceased to be eligible CBERA and CBTPA  18 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(e)(1)(A)(i)-212(e)(1)(B)(ii), 97 Stat. 384 (1983). 19 Proclamation 7351 - To Implement the United States-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (October 2, 2000). 20 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Pub. L. No. 106-200, § 211(4)(A)(ii), 114 Stat. 277 (2000). 8 beneficiaries when those FTAs entered into force. These countries are El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica,21 and Panama.22 Table 1: CBERA and CBTPA beneficiaries and territories. Current designated CBERA-eligible countries and territories, and their dates of designation if not original beneficiaries Current designated CBTPA-eligible countries and territories Antigua and Barbuda Barbados Aruba (April 11, 1986)23 Belize The Bahamas (March 14, 1985)24 Curaçao Barbados Guyana Belize Haiti British Virgin Islands Jamaica Curaçao (December 23, 2013)25 Saint Lucia Dominica Trinidad and Tobago Grenada Guyana (November 24, 1988)26 Haiti Jamaica Montserrat Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago Anti-Transshipment Provisions The CBTPA includes provisions intended to guard against the illegal transshipment of nonqualifying goods through CBI beneficiaries.27 CBTPA beneficiaries are required to implement and follow, or make substantial progress toward implementing and following, certain customs  21 The Dominican Republic-Central America-United States FTA (CAFTA-DR) was signed on August 5, 2004, and entered into force for El Salvador on March 1, 2006; for Honduras on April 1, 2006; for Nicaragua on April 1, 2006; for Guatemala on July 1, 2006; for the Dominican Republic on March 1, 2007; and for Costa Rica on January 1, 2009. 22 The United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement entered into force on October 31, 2012. 23 Proclamation 5458 - To Designate Aruba as a Beneficiary Country for Purposes of the Generalized System of Preferences and the Caribbean Basin Recovery Act (April 11, 1986). 24 Proclamation 5308 - To Amend Proclamation 5133 Implementing the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (March 14, 1985). 25 Letter to Congressional Leaders on the Designation of Curaçao as a Beneficiary Country for Purposes of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act and the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (December 23, 20133). 26 Proclamation 5909 - To Designate Guyana as a Beneficiary Country for Purposes of the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (November 18, 1988). 27 See generally Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Pub. L. No. 106-200, § 113, 114 Stat. 264 (2000). 9 procedures based on those contained in Chapter 5 of the USMCA in order to receive benefits. Beneficiaries must provide the U.S. Trade Representative with commitments regarding, among other things: use of appropriate certificate of origin documents; cooperation with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in conducting origin verification visits under certain conditions; implementation of legislation or regulations to ensure the enforcement of these customs procedures; imposition of appropriate penalties in cases of non-compliance; and regular updates on progress in implementing the customs requirements established under the CBTPA. The CBTPA also provides that, if a CBI exporter is determined to have engaged in illegal shipment of textile or apparel products, the President shall deny all benefits under the CBTPA to that exporter for two years. In addition, where a beneficiary country or territory has been requested by the United States to take action to prevent transshipment and the country has failed to do so, the President shall reduce the quantities of textile and apparel articles that may be imported into the United States from that beneficiary country or territory by three times the quantity of articles transshipped. The HOPE I Act requires the Commissioner responsible for CBP to verify that certain apparel articles imported into the United States are not being unlawfully transshipped on a quarterly basis.28 The Commissioner is required to report affirmative determinations of unlawful transshipment of apparel articles to the President.29 Based on the report, the President may reduce the quantitative limitation on apparel articles that are afforded preferential treatment.30 Safeguard Provisions The President may suspend duty-free treatment under the CBI programs if temporary import relief is determined to be necessary due to serious injury to domestic producers. The CBI provides special rules governing emergency relief from imports of perishable agricultural products from beneficiaries. Rum Provisions Under section 5001(a)(1) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (the Code), an excise tax of $13.50 per proof gallon is imposed on distilled spirits, including rum, produced in or imported into the United States. The CBERA requires that excise taxes (minus the estimated amount necessary for payment of refunds and drawbacks) on all rum imported into the United States, including rum from the CBERA countries, be transferred, or covered over, to the Treasuries of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands (section 7652(e)(1) of the Code). Currently, the cover over amount for distilled spirits, including rum, imported to the United States is limited to $10.50 per proof gallon  28 Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, P.L. 109-432, § 5002, 120 Stat. 3189 (2010). 29 Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, P.L. 109-432, § 5002, 120 Stat. 3189 (2010). 30 Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, P.L. 109-432, § 5002, 120 Stat. 3189 (2010). 10 (section 7652(f) of the Code). Rum brought into the United States from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands is subject to the same rate of tax. Amounts collected are also covered over to those insular Treasuries (section 7652(a)(3) and (b)(3), respectively, of the Code) minus certain amounts necessary for refunds, duty drawback, or administrative expenses. After December 31, 2025, an excise tax of $13.25 (currently $10.50) per proof gallon will be imposed on distilled spirits.31 The CBERA provides that if the amounts transferred to Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands are lower than the amount that would have been transferred if the imported rum had been produced in Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands, the President shall consider compensation measures and may withdraw the duty-free treatment of rum produced in CBI beneficiaries. This provision— intended to provide a remedy should the amounts carried over to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands fall below such amounts transferred under prior law—has never been invoked. Tax Provisions U.S. taxpayers can deduct legitimate business expenses incurred in attending a business meeting or convention in a qualifying CBERA beneficiary country or territory, or Bermuda, without regard to the more stringent requirements usually applied to foreign convention expenses. To qualify, a CBERA beneficiary country or territory must have a qualifying tax information exchange agreement in effect with the United States, and the tax laws in the CBERA beneficiary country or territory may not discriminate against conventions held in the United States. Reports In addition to this biennial USTR Report on the general operation of the CBERA and compliance of the beneficiaries with the eligibility criteria, the CBERA and other trade preference legislation require the following reports. USITC Economic Effects Report: Section 215 of the CBERA requires the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) to report biennially to the Congress with an assessment of the actual and probable future effects of the CBERA on the U.S. economy generally, on U.S. consumers, and on U.S. industries. Since 2001, the USITC has also been required to address the economic impact of the CBI programs on beneficiaries. The USITC submitted its 27th report on the impact of the CBERA to the President and Congress in September 2025.32 The USITC concluded that the CBERA continues to have a positive effect on a number of Caribbean Basin countries, despite a two-year decrease in CBERA exports, and a negligible impact on U.S. imports, producers, and consumers. For U.S. industries in particular, the overall effect of the program on domestic production, employment, and operating profits was also negligible. The USITC concluded that the future effect of the CBERA on the United States will likely remain negligible.  31 One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Pub. L. No. 119-21, § 70427, 139 Stat. 76 (2025). 32 USITC Publication 5662, Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act: Impact on U.S. Industries and Consumers and on Beneficiary Countries, 27th Report (2023-2024), available at https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub5662.pdf (published September 2025). 11 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor Report: The Trade and Development Act of 2000 (TDA) requires that a country implement its commitments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor for the President to consider whether to designate that country as a beneficiary developing country under the GSP program. The TDA also mandates that the President submit annually to Congress the Secretary of Labor’s findings with respect to each “beneficiary country’s implementation of its international commitments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor.” The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) published the most recent report in September 2025.33 The Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor report contains country profiles for many CBI beneficiaries. USTR utilizes these profiles to closely monitor CBI beneficiaries’ efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Meetings with Caribbean Basin Trade Ministers The CBTPA directs the President to convene a meeting with the trade ministers of Caribbean Basin countries in order to establish a schedule of regular meetings of the region’s trade ministers and the U.S. Trade Representative. As indicated in the CBTPA, the purpose of the meetings is to advance consultations between the United States and CBI countries concerning the possible initiation of advantageous trade agreements with the United States. Other Provisions Under U.S. antidumping and countervailing duty laws, imports from two or more countries subject to investigation may be aggregated, or “cumulated,” for the purpose of determining whether the unfair trade practice causes material injury to a U.S. industry. The 1990 amendments to the CBERA created an exception to this general cumulation rule for imports from CBI beneficiaries. If imports from a CBI beneficiary country or territory are under investigation in an antidumping or countervailing duty case, imports from that country may not be aggregated with imports from non-CBI beneficiaries under investigation for purposes of determining whether the imports from the CBI beneficiary country or territory are causing, or threatening to cause, material injury to a U.S. industry. They may, however, be aggregated with imports from other CBI beneficiaries under investigation.  33 The latest report is available at https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ILAB/child_labor_reports/tda2024/Full- Report-2024-Findings-on-the-Worst-Forms-of-Child-Labor.pdf. 12 II. U.S. Trade in Goods with CBI Countries U.S. Imports Detailed information on U.S. imports of goods from CBI countries is presented in Appendix 1 of this report. At their peak in 2005, U.S. imports of goods for consumption from CBI countries were $31.8 billion, and CBI countries combined constituted the 12th-largest supplier of U.S. imports. In contrast, CBI beneficiaries supplied $11.6 billion of U.S. imports in 2024, collectively ranking 36th among U.S. import suppliers (see Table 2). In 2005, CBI beneficiaries supplied nearly two percent of total imports into the United States, but this share decreased to 0.4 percent in 2022, primarily due to the exit of the CAFTA-DR beneficiaries, the Netherlands Antilles, and Panama from the CBI program. The share of U.S. imports of goods from CBI countries in total U.S. imports has remained steady from 2022, totaling 0.4 percent in 2024. Imports from CBI countries dropped slightly from $11.6 billion in 2022 to $9.7 billion in 2023, before increasing back to $11.6 billion in 2024 (table 2). Table 2: U.S. Merchandise Trade with CBI beneficiaries, 2020-2024 and January-June of 2024 and 2025; in millions of dollars and percentages. Year U.S. Total Goods Exports to World U.S. Goods Exports to CBI Countries U.S. Total Goods Imports from World U.S. Total Goods Imports from CBI Countries U.S. Merchand ise Trade Balance with CBI Countries Million $ Million $ % of U.S. Total Million $ Million $ % of U.S. Total Million $ 2020 1,205,386.7 11,144.9 0.9 2,330,555.1 5,089.5 0.2 6,055 2021 1,481,182.1 12,820.3 0.9 2,817,857.6 8,678.0 0.3 4,142 2022 1,751,831.8 18,371.0 1.0 3,223,679.5 11,640.2 0.4 6,731 2023 1,691,403.2 16,517.9 1.0 3,068,959.0 9,685.8 0.3 6,832 2024 1,716,273.0 17,647.5 1.0 3,251,194.8 11,586.6 0.4 6,061 Jan-June 2024 855,934.3 8,725.1 1.0 1,561,788.1 5,900.8 0.4 2,824 Jan - June 2025 864,356.7 8,870.3 1.0 1,758,383.2 5,692.3 0.3 3,178 Source: USITC DataWeb/Census, accessed August 11, 2025. Data reflect all official USDOC revisions for 2020-2024 as of this date. Note: Domestic exports (excludes re-exports), free alongside ship (FAS) value. Imports for consumption, customs value. Trade balance is domestic exports minus imports for consumption. U.S. imports receiving preferential treatment under CBERA totaled $1.8 billion in 2024, a notable decline of 34.5 percent from $2.8 billion in 2022. The decline in imports under the program from 13 2022 to 2024 is attributed to reduced imports of textiles and apparel from Haiti; other mining and manufactured products, including methanol, from Trinidad and Tobago; and crude oil from Guyana.34 U.S. imports under the CBI tariff preferences (not including imports under the HOPE and HELP Acts) increased slightly to $1.5 billion in 2024, from $1.4 billion in 2023 and decreased more significantly from $2.1 billion in 2022 (see Table 3). Petroleum products, methanol, and textile and apparel (mainly t-shirts and sweaters) were the primary products imported by the United States from CBI beneficiaries in 2024.35 The combined share of these products in the total U.S. imports under CBI preferences, including the HOPE Acts, remained close to 85 percent in 2024 (83 percent). Trinidad and Tobago was the main source of petroleum products imported under CBI preferences in 2024, making up 99 percent of such imports. Haiti was the largest supplier of the U.S. textile and apparel imports among CBI countries. In 2024, imports from Haiti comprised 13.8 percent of U.S. imports under CBI preferences (and 31.6 percent when including imports under the HOPE and HELP Acts). In 2024, total imports from Haiti under the HOPE and HELP Acts were $386 million, a 30.8 percent drop from 2023 and a 47.7 percent decrease from 2022. The remaining U.S. imports from all beneficiaries under the CBI preferences were agricultural products, 12.1 percent, and mining and manufacturing products, five percent. Table 3: U.S. Imports for Consumption from CBI Countries by Program, 2022-2024 and January-June of 2024 and 2025; in millions of dollars and percentages. Import Program 2022 2023 2024 2024 Jan – June 2025 Jan – June Change 2022 – 2023 Change 2023 – 2024 Change Jan – June 2025 Million $ Percent CBI 2,061.9 1,409.7 1,491.9 661.2 638.2 -31.6 5.8 -3.5 CBERA 753.8 493.9 482.2 229.6 202.2 -34.5 -2.4 -11.9 CBTPA 1,308.1 915.9 1,009.7 431.6 435.9 -30.0 10.2 1.0 GSP 4.9 14.5 15.3 10.1 2.4 193.5 5.8 -76.0 HOPE Acts 739.1 558.4 386.2 208.1 117.9 -24.5 -30.8 -43.4 Otherwise duty-free 5,064.9 3,707.3 4,373.7 2,331.1 2,144.8 -26.8 18.0 -8.0 Dutiable imports 3,769.4 3,995.8 5,319.3 2,690.3 2,789.0 6.0 33.1 3.7 Total 11,640.2 9,685.8 11,586.6 5,900.8 5,692.3 -16.8 19.6 -3.5 Source: USITC DataWeb/Census, Accessed August 11, 2025. Data reflect all official USDOC revisions for 2020- 2024 as of this date. Note: Imports for consumption, customs value.  34 Imports of petroleum products from Guyana increased from 2022 to 2024, but in 2024 none entered under CBI preferences. 35 Agriculture products are imported under Harmonized System (HS) chapters 1 through 24; methanol and energy products are imported under HTS of the United States subheading 2905.11.20 (methanol other than for use in producing synthetic natural gas or for direct use as a fuel) and energy products imported under HS Chapter 27 (mineral fuels); textile and apparel products are imported under HS Chapters 50 through 63; mining and manufactured products are products not included under other major product categories. 14 CBI Tariff Preferences: Top Sources of U.S. Imports Trinidad and Tobago has been the leading source of U.S. imports by value under CBI tariff preferences since 2005 (when excluding the HOPE and HELP Acts). In 2024, imports into the United States from Trinidad and Tobago under CBI tariff preferences reached $1.0 billion (Appendix 1). This is an increase of 2.7 percent from 2022, when imports also totaled $1.0 billion. Methanol ($179 million) and petroleum products ($807 million) dominated these imports in 2024.36 U.S. imports of petroleum products from Trinidad and Tobago under CBI preferences increased by 52.3 percent between 2022 and 2024. For the same two-year period, U.S. imports of methanol declined by 52.5 percent. In 2024, approximately 48 percent of imports of petroleum products from Trinidad and Tobago entered under CBI preferences, while 99.5 percent of methanol imports entered under CBI preferences. Haiti is the second leading source of CBI imports (when excluding the HOPE and HELP Acts) (Appendix 1).37 In 2024, U.S. imports from Haiti under CBI tariff preferences were $206.6 million, with an additional $386.2 million of imports entering under the HOPE Acts preferences. Textile and apparel products reached 97 percent of total U.S. imports from Haiti in 2024, and almost all these imports entered under CBTPA or the HOPE Act preferences. U.S imports of textile and apparel from Haiti decreased by 40 percent from 2022 to 2024. Both apparel imports and total imports from Haiti declined in 2024. This decline is attributed to continued political instability associated with the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, and security concerns resulting from continued gang violence. While Haiti remained the second-largest supplier of CBI imports, total imports (e.g., not just those entering under CBI preferences) from Guyana and The Bahamas surpassed those from Haiti in 2024. U.S. imports from Guyana were mainly driven by a sharp rise, 86.2 percent, of dutiable imports (mainly petroleum products) in 2024, compared to 2022. Jamaica is the third leading supplier of CBI imports. U.S. imports from Jamaica under the CBI preferences totaled $131 million in 2024, a 7.5 percent decrease from 2023 and a 2.2 percent decrease from 2022 (Appendix 1). This decline in CBI imports is partly due to an anomalous spike in petroleum imports in 2022 ($17.7 million), which reduced to zero in 2023 and 2024. The primary driver of the decline in CBI imports was agricultural products, i.e., beverages and prepared vegetables, fruit, nuts or other parts of plants, which collectively declined by $10 million. Utilization of CBI preferences varies significantly by beneficiary country and territory. In 2024, CBI imports as a share of total U.S. imports from each beneficiary country and territory ranged from zero percent (Antigua, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, and Saint Vincent and Grenadine) to over 90 percent (The Bahamas, Grenada, and Haiti, when including imports under  36 Petroleum products include products classified under HS Chapter 27. 37 For purposes of this analysis, “CBI imports” refers to imports into the United States that enter under either a CBERA or CBTPA preference. 15 the HOPE Acts). In addition to petroleum, methanol and apparel, polystyrene (The Bahamas) and agricultural products, particularly fresh or chilled yam (Jamaica) and miscellaneous prepared food products (Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica), were imported in significant amounts under CBI tariff preferences. U.S. Exports Although the CBI program was initially envisioned as a program to facilitate the economic development and export diversification of the Caribbean Basin economies, U.S. export growth to the region has been a corollary benefit. Since the CBI program took effect on January 1, 1984, U.S. domestic exports to the region increased from $6.1 billion (2.8 percent of U.S. total exports) to a peak of $26.1 billion (3.2 percent of U.S. total exports) in 2005.38 Since that time, however, U.S. exports to CBI beneficiaries have fallen significantly. Most of the decrease was due to the exit of the countries that joined the CAFTA-DR and the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement; these countries received approximately 70 percent of U.S. exports to CBI beneficiaries in 2005, valued at $18 billion.39 In 2024, the value of total U.S. exports to CBI countries amounted to $17.6 billion, a 6.8 percent increase from the previous year. In 2023, U.S. exports were $16.5 billion, a 10.1 percent decrease from 2022 (see Table 2). Collectively, the CBI region ranked 20th among U.S. export destinations in 2024 and absorbed 1.0 percent of total U.S. exports to the world (see Table 2). The leading markets for U.S. exports to the Caribbean Basin region in 2024 were The Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Guyana, and Haiti. These five countries accounted for over 71 percent of U.S. exports to the region in 2024 (see Table 4). The leading export categories included refined petroleum products; cabin cruisers and motorboats; rice; civilian aircraft, engines, and parts; chicken; natural gas; wheat; passenger motor vehicles; and pine wood.40 Table 4: U.S. exports to CBI Beneficiaries, 2020-2024 and January-July of 2024 and 2025; in millions of dollars. Country/Territory 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2024 Jan-Jul 2025 Jan-Jul Antigua and Barbuda 262 507 1,012 751 541 297 159 Aruba 263 485 583 565 627 319 267 The Bahamas 2,575 2,743 4,889 4,995 5,142 2,586 2,534 Barbados 430 615 681 623 683 358 277 Belize 381 395 494 627 579 305 300  38 As previously noted, export data in this report refer to domestic exports (FAS) value, unless otherwise noted. 39 Those countries (and date of entry into force of CAFTA-DR) were El Salvador (March 1, 2006); Honduras and Nicaragua (April 1, 2006); Guatemala (July 1, 2006); the Dominican Republic (March 1, 2007); and Costa Rica (January 1, 2009). Panama ceased to be designated a CBERA beneficiary with the entry into force on October 31, 2012 of the U.S.-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. 40 The leading exports by 6-digit HS subheading. 16 British Virgin Islands 268 241 448 395 273 125 282 Curaçao 314 299 483 465 876 486 363 Dominica 92 340 138 60 50 26 31 Grenada 89 114 157 178 149 67 88 Guyana 602 912 1,080 1,217 1,159 572 666 Haiti 1,357 1,258 1,338 1,198 1,121 523 548 Jamaica 1,537 1,820 2,417 2,417 2,446 1,206 1,202 Montserrat 11 9 9 14 11 7 5 Saint Kitts-Nevis 121 125 151 150 144 71 84 Saint Lucia 598 504 858 626 1,015 522 556 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines 72 90 139 150 131 64 69 Trinidad and Tobago 2,173 2,362 3,492 2,088 2,699 1,191 1,440 Total 11,145 12,820 18,371 16,518 17,647 8,725 8,870 Source: USITC DataWeb/Census, accessed August 12, 2025. Data reflect all official USDOC revisions for 2020- 2024 as of this date. Note: Domestic exports, free alongside ship (FAS) value. 17 III. Utilization Potential Utilization Gap Use of the CBI (excluding HOPE and HELP Act preferences) for imports into the United States from beneficiaries continues to be uneven. Some factors contributing to limited use of CBI preferences include trade preferences available to competing suppliers, available productive resources and the ability to attract investment, knowledge of the program, and flexibility of CBI program rules of origin and other U.S. import requirements.41 Table 5 captures CBI-eligible imports to the United States—the portion that entered under the CBI preference, the portion that entered under a different preference program, and the portion that entered under no preference. While more than 90 percent of eligible imports from The Bahamas and Grenada entered under CBI preferences in 2024, less than 10 percent of eligible imports from Aruba, Curaçao, and Guyana entered under CBI preferences in 2024. In addition, no eligible imports from Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, Montserrat, or Saint Vincent & the Grenadines entered under CBI preferences in 2024. Table 5: U.S. imports of CBI-eligible tariff lines by beneficiary, 2024; in dollars. CBI Other Preference Programs No Program Claimed Total Eligible Imports for Consumption Antigua and Barbuda 0 5,672 241,207 246,879 Aruba 10,524 257,911 220,623 489,058 The Bahamas 55,400,055 642,188 641,513 56,683,756 Barbados 448,600 32,528 1,221,284 1,702,412 Belize 32,488,244 13,348,706 1,888,761 47,725,711 British Virgin Islands 0 11,861 177,556 189,417 Curaçao 39,000 873,647 4,718,146 5,630,793 Dominica 97,203 0 119,061 216,264 Grenada 2,850,856 2,850 135,647 2,989,353 Guyana 16,680,847 335,293 4,360,791,395 4,377,807,535 Haiti 206,589,388 368,566,399 9,637,842 584,793,629 Jamaica 130,877,178 2,031,756 12,692,841 145,601,775 Montserrat 0 0 501,021 501,021 Saint Kitts-Nevis 4,759,793 0 2,098,480 6,858,273 Saint Lucia 480,102 62,171 18,119 560,392 Saint Vincent & the Grenadines 0 16,675 58,012 74,687 Trinidad & Tobago 1,041,226,511 1,828,942 308,253,452 1,351,308,905 Grand Total 1,491,948,301 388,016,599 4,703,414,960 6,583,379,860  41 Imports under CBI preferences include imports into the United States that enter under either a CBERA or CBTPA preference, but exclude imports under the HOPE Acts unless otherwise specified. 18 Source: USITC DataWeb/Census, accessed August 14, 2025. Data reflect all official USDOC revisions for 2024 as of this date. Note: Imports for consumption, customs value. Imports under CBI preferences include imports into the United States that claim a preference under CBERA or CBTPA. Since the last CBI Report, there has been a notable increase in utilization of CBI preferences for certain CBI-eligible products that had previously been imported into the United States without CBI preferences: x In 2024, Jamaica exported $2.1 million of kola nuts (USHTS 0802.70.20) to the United States, of which 48 percent entered under CBERA preferences while the remainder entered under GSP preferences.42 In 2022, only 13 percent of the total $1.4 million entered under CBERA preferences, and 87 percent entered under GSP preference. x In 2024, the United States imported $34,364 of non-silver precious metal jewelry (USHTS 7113.19.50) from The Bahamas, with 47 percent entering under CBERA preferences and the rest under no preference. In 2022, the same imports totaled $72,633, of which only three percent entered under CBERA preferences and 97 percent under no preference. x In 2022, Jamaica exported $290,350 of non-sparkling grape wine (USHTS 2204.21.80) to the United States, of which nine percent entered under CBERA preferences and the remainder entered under no preference. In 2024, 88 percent of the total $638,215 entered under CBERA preferences. x In 2022, Haiti exported $9,084 of miscellaneous cocoa foods (USHTS 1806.90.90) to the United States, with 24 percent entering under CBERA preferences and 76 percent under GSP. In 2024, exports totaled $8,000, of which 64 percent entered under CBERA preferences and 36 percent entered under no preference. Highlights of Products from the Caribbean Traded with the United States There are several CBI-eligible products for which there is a significant market demand in the United States. The CBI makes imports of such products particularly competitive. Yam and Jamaica Yam is a starchy tuber, rich in fiber, potassium, manganese, and vitamin C. It is a staple food in parts of Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Latin America, often boiled, fried, pounded, or baked. In producing countries, yam farming is a major source of rural employment and income.43 While different from sweet potatoes, the two are often confused in the United States. Yams are starchy, and producing countries are investing in the processing industries in order to reduce losses and  ϰϮThe GSP program expired on December 31, 2020, and duty-free entry under GSP was not available for 2024. 43 Yam is classified under HS section 0714.30, which includes fresh or chilled yams (USHTS 0714.30.10), frozen yams (USHTS 0714.30.20), and dried yams (USHTS 0714.30.50 and 0714.30.60). 19 expand value-added exports. The United States does not produce yams. In 2024, the United States imported $100.9 million worth of yams from the world. Jamaica was the only CBI country supplying significant values of yams to the U.S. market, accounting for about 41 percent of total imports.44 Its exports of yams consisted exclusively of fresh yams (USHTS 0714.30.10), valued at $42.7 million, all of which entered under CBERA preferences. Rum and Barbados, Guyana, and Jamaica Rum is an alcoholic beverage distilled from the fermented juice of sugar cane, sugar cane syrup, sugar cane molasses or other sugar cane by-products. The United States produces a small quantity of rum and imports large volumes (under HTS subheading 2208.40), with total imports of $161.2 million in 2024. Caribbean nations provide some of the primary sources of U.S. rum imports, and those nations are led by Barbados ($19.2 million), Jamaica ($16.4 million), and Guyana ($7.3 million). U.S. rum imports are classified by container size and value per proof liter. The majority of rum imported by the United States, worth $138.9 million and accounting for 86 percent of total U.S. rum imports in 2024, is classified as higher value rum on a per proof liter basis, valued at more than $3 per proof liter and in containers of four liters or less.45 Jamaica, Barbados, and Guyana are the top suppliers of this rum import category among CBI beneficiaries, accounting for $16 million (11.5 percent), $10 million (7.2 percent), $7.2 million (5.2 percent) in 2024, respectively. The second-largest category of U.S. rum imports, worth $17.2 million and accounting for 10.7 percent of total U.S. rum imports in 2024, is in larger containers (over four liters) valued at more than 69 cents per proof liter.46 Within this category, the leading suppliers among CBERA beneficiaries—Barbados and Jamaica—supplied $9.2 million (53.3 percent) and $0.4 million (2.3 percent), respectively, of U.S. imports in 2024. The remaining two categories of U.S. rum imports, both of which represent lower value rum, accounted for a smaller overall share of total U.S. rum imports (3.1 percent in 2024).47 Barbados supplied $8,106 (0.2 percent) of $5.0 million U.S. imports in this category in 2024.  44 Dominica supplied $10,057 of yams in 2024, none of which entered under CBERA preferences. 45 USHTS 2208.40.40. 46 USHTS 2208.40.80. 47 USHTS 2208.40.60 and USHTS 2208.40.20. 20 IV. Eligibility Criteria The trade preferences made available under the CBI represented a unilateral, non-reciprocal grant of benefits to certain U.S. trading partners in the Caribbean and Central and South America. In enacting the CBERA and CBTPA, as well as the HOPE and HELP Acts, Congress established eligibility criteria for the receipt of these trade preferences. This section reviews the CBERA and CBTPA eligibility criteria, as well as the recent performance of CBI beneficiaries in meeting these criteria. The eligibility criteria for the CBI programs fall within four broad categories: x “mandatory” factors defined in Title II, Section 212 of the CBERA as precluding the President from initially designating a country or dependent territory as a CBERA beneficiary;48 x “discretionary” factors also defined in Title II, Section 212 of the CBERA, which the President is required to take into account in determining whether to designate countries or dependent territories as beneficiaries under the CBERA;49 and x further discretionary criteria, outlined in the CBTPA, which the President is required to take into account in designating beneficiary countries or territories for purposes of receiving the enhanced trade preferences of the CBTPA.50 x discretionary criteria, outlined in Haiti HOPE/HELP, which the President is required to consider in making a determination and certifying to Congress that Haiti is eligible for additional trade preferences.51 CBERA “Mandatory” Criteria In determining the designation of a beneficiary under CBERA, the President shall ensure a country is not designated if it fulfills any of the following criteria: Communist Country: A country or territory cannot be designated as a CBERA beneficiary if such country is a Communist country.52 To date, no Communist country has requested designation, and none of the current beneficiaries is a Communist country. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: A country or territory cannot be designated a CBERA beneficiary if it has expropriated or nationalized property of U.S. citizens, unless the President determines that the country is taking steps to resolve any claims, or if such country has taken steps  48 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(b), 97 Stat. 385 (1983). 49 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c), 97 Stat. 386 (1983). 50 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Pub. L. No. 106-200, § 211(b)(5)(B), 114 Stat. 284 (2000). 51 Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-432, § 213A(d), 120 Stat. 3187 (2006). 52 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(b)(1), 97 Stat. 385 (1983). 21 to repudiate or nullify any existing contracts or agreements as well as any patent, trademark, or other intellectual property under specified conditions.53 The United States is closely monitoring activity with respect to certain beneficiaries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will raise concerns with those countries as appropriate. Arbitral Awards: A country or territory cannot be designated as a CBERA beneficiary if it fails to act in good faith in recognizing as binding or enforcing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens or corporations owned by U.S. citizens.54 The United States is currently evaluating questions that have been raised with respect to certain beneficiaries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will consider action where appropriate. Reverse Preferences: A country or territory cannot be designated as a CBERA beneficiary if it affords preferential treatment to the products of a developed country other than the United States which has, or is likely to have, a significant adverse effect on U.S. commerce, unless the President has received satisfactory assurances that such preferential treatment will be eliminated or that action will be taken to assure that there will be no such significant adverse effect, and the President reports those assurances to the Congress.55 Since 1966, Canada has had a Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement with CARICOM. However, the agreement is non-reciprocal and does not afford Canada with preferential access into CARICOM members’ markets. Since 2007, the European Commission has had an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago (the Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) countries56). Guyana and Haiti joined the agreement in 2008 and 2009 respectively. Although the CBERA countries account for a relatively small share of U.S. exports, the Administration is currently evaluating questions that have been raised with respect to certain beneficiaries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will consider action where appropriate. Expropriation of Intellectual Property: A country or territory cannot be designated as a CBERA country if it’s government-owned entities broadcast copyrighted material, including films or television material belonging to United States copyright owners without their express consent.57 These factors were modified and broadened in the context of country designation criteria under  53 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(b)(2), 97 Stat. 385-86 (1983). 54 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(b)(3), 97 Stat. 386 (1983) 55 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(b)(4), 97 Stat. 386 (1983). 56 Established in 1992, the CARIFORUM is a subgroup of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States and serves as forum for economic dialogue between its members and the European Union. Although there is overlap in membership, the CARIFORUM is distinct from CARICOM, which is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the political and economic union of its members. 57 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(b)(5), 97 Stat. 386 (1983). 22 the CBTPA (see below). The United States is closely monitoring activity with respect to certain beneficiaries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will raise concerns with those countries as appropriate. Extradition: A country or territory cannot be designated as a CBERA beneficiary unless it is a signatory to a treaty, convention, protocol, or other agreement regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens.58 To date, all beneficiaries are signatories to, or otherwise subject to a treaty, convention, protocol, or other agreement regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: A country or territory cannot be designated as a CBERA beneficiary if it has not or is not taking steps to afford internationally recognized worker rights (as defined in section 507(4) of the Trade Act of 1974) to workers in the country (including any designated zone in that country).59 (These factors were modified and broadened in the context of country designation criteria under the CBTPA (see below).) The Administration is closely monitoring developments in worker rights with respect to the beneficiaries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will raise concerns with those countries as appropriate. CBERA “Discretionary” Criteria In determining whether to designate any country or territory a beneficiary under CBERA, the President shall take into account the following criteria: Desire to Be Designated: Whether the country or territory has expressed a desire to be designated as a beneficiary.60 All beneficiaries have expressed a desire to be designated. Economic Conditions: The economic conditions in the country or territory, the living standards of its inhabitants, and any other economic factors which the President deems appropriate.61 The United States maintains a strong interest in conditions of economic development in the Caribbean, and is closely monitoring activity with respect to certain beneficiaries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will raise concerns with those countries as appropriate. Market Access/WTO Rules: The extent to which a country or territory has assured the United States that it will provide equitable and reasonable access to the markets and basic commodity resources of the country62 and the degree to which the country follows the accepted rules of international trade provided for under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreements and the multilateral agreement.63 The eligibility criteria of the CBTPA elaborate on these factors, with a focus on implementation of WTO commitments and participation in negotiations to create a Free  58 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(b)(6), 97 Stat. 386 (1983). 59 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(b)(7), 97 Stat. 386 (1983). 60 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c)(1), 97 Stat. 386 (1983). 61 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c)(2), 97 Stat. 386 (1983). 62 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c)(3), 97 Stat. 386 (1983). 63 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c)(4), 97 Stat. 386-87 (1983). 23 Trade Area of the Americas.64 The United States is closely monitoring activity with respect to certain beneficiaries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will raise concerns with those countries as appropriate. Trade-Distorting Measures: The degree to which such country or territory uses export subsidies or imposes export performance requirements or local content requirements which distort international trade.65 To date, no beneficiary has offered export subsidies or imposed trade- distorting export performance or local content requirements. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: The degree to which the trade policies of such country or territory as they relate to other beneficiaries are contributing to the revitalization of the region.66 With varying degrees of success, all beneficiaries have continued to implement trade policies that have advanced regional economic development and growth. Self-Help Measures: The degree to which such country or territory is undertaking self-help measures to promote its own economic development.67 With varying degrees of success, all beneficiaries continue to promote and enact self-help measures intended to improve economic development. Worker Rights: Whether or not the country or territory has taken or is taking steps to afford internationally recognized worker rights to workers in its jurisdiction (including any designated zone in the country.68 To date, all beneficiaries have shown they are taking actions to afford internationally recognized worker rights to workers in its jurisdiction. Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright Rights: The extent to which a country or territory provides under its law adequate and effective means for foreign nationals to secure, exercise, and enforce exclusive rights in intellectual property, including patent, trademark, and copyright rights69 and the extent to which a country prohibits its nationals from broadcasting copyrighted materials, including film and television material, belonging to U.S. copyright owners without their express consent.70 The United States is closely monitoring issues that have been raised with respect to certain beneficiaries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will consider whether further action may be appropriate. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: The extent to which such country or territory is prepared to cooperate with the United States in the administration of CBERA provisions.71 With  64 Negotiations for a Free Trade Area of the Americas were launched in 1994 and abandoned in 2005. 65 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c)(5), 97 Stat. 387 (1983). 66 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c)(6), 97 Stat. 386 (1983). 67 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c)(7), 97 Stat. 386 (1983). 68 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c)(8), 97 Stat. 386 (1983). 69 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c)(9), 97 Stat. 387 (1983). 70 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c)(10), 97 Stat. 387 (1983). 71 Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act, Pub. L. No. 98-67, § 212(c)(11), 97 Stat. 387 (1983). 24 varying degrees of success, all beneficiaries continue to cooperate with the United States in administering CBERA provisions. CBTPA Eligibility Criteria In considering the eligibility of the CBI countries and dependent territories that have expressed an interest in receiving the enhanced preferences of the CBTPA, the President is required to take into account the existing eligibility criteria of the CBERA, as well as several additional or revised criteria in the CBTPA. These additional criteria are: Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Whether the beneficiary country has demonstrated a commitment to undertake its obligations to the WTO, including those agreements listed in Section 101(d) of the Uruguay Round Agreement Act, on or ahead of schedule and participate in the negotiations toward the completion of the Free Trade Area of the Americas or another FTA.72 To date, all CBTPA beneficiary countries have continued to demonstrate a commitment to undertake their obligations to the WTO.73 Protection of Intellectual Property: The extent to which the country provides protection of intellectual property rights consistent with or greater than the protection afforded under the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) described in section 101(d)(15) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act.74 The United States is closely monitoring activity with respect to certain beneficiary countries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will raise concerns with those countries as appropriate. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: The extent to which the country provides internationally recognized worker rights to their workers, including the right of association; the right to organize and bargain collectively; a prohibition on the use of any form of forced or compulsory labor; a minimum age for the employment of children; and acceptable conditions of work with respect to minimum wages, hours of work, and occupational safety and health.75 To date, every CBTPA beneficiary country has provided internationally recognized worker rights to workers in their country. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: Whether the country has implemented its commitments to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, as defined in section 507(6) of the Trade Act of 1974.76 The United States is closely monitoring activity with respect to certain beneficiaries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will raise concerns with those countries as appropriate.  72 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Pub. L. No. 106-200, § Sec 211(b)(5)(B)(i), 114 Stat. 284 (2000). 73 Curaçao is the only CBTPA beneficiary that is not a full, independent member of the WTO due to its status as an autonomous country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 74 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Pub. L. No. 106-200, § 211(b)(5)(B)(ii), 114 Stat. 284 (2000). 75 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Pub. L. No. 106-200, § 211(b)(5)(B)(iii), 114 Stat. 284 (2000). 76 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Pub. L. No. 106-200, § 211(b)(5)(B)(iv), 114 Stat. 285 (2000). 25 Counternarcotics Cooperation: The extent to which the country has met the counter-narcotics certification criteria set forth in section 490 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 196177 for eligibility for United States assistance78 under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. To date, all CBTPA beneficiaries have continued to promote counter-narcotics initiatives. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: The extent to which the country has taken steps to become a party to and implement the Inter-American Convention against Corruption (IACAC).79 The United States is closely monitoring activity with respect to certain beneficiaries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will raise concerns with those countries as appropriate.80 Transparency in Government Procurement: The extent to which the country applies transparent, nondiscriminatory and competitive procedures in government procurement equivalent to those contained in the WTO Agreement on Government Procurement (GPA) described in section 101(d)(17) of the Uruguay Round Agreements Act, and contributes to efforts in international fora to develop and implement rules on transparency in government procurement.81 The United States is closely monitoring activity with respect to certain beneficiaries, as described in the country reports that follow, and will raise concerns with those countries as appropriate. Haiti HOPE/HELP Requirements In considering Haiti’s eligibility to receive the enhanced preferences of Haiti HOPE/HELP, the President must determine and certify to Congress that Haiti meets the following eligibility requirements: Market-based Economy: That Haiti has a market-based economy that protects private property rights, incorporates an open rules-based trading system, and minimizes government interference in the economy through measures such as price controls, subsidies, and government ownership of economic assets.82  77 The Narcotics Certification Process was modified as a result of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, FY 2003 (FRAA), signed into law on September 30, 2002. As a result, the President has the option of submitting a consolidated report identifying all major illicit drug-producing and drug-transit countries and designating those countries that have failed to comply with specified criteria. The President also retains the option to use the previous system involving an affirmative certification of cooperation. (Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, Pub. L. No. 87–195, § 490(b)(1)-(3), 75 Stat. 424 (1961)). 78 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Pub. L. No. 106-200, § 211(b)(5)(B)(v), 114 Stat. 285 (2000). 79 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Pub. L. No. 106-200, § 211(b)(5)(B)(vi), 114 Stat. 285 (2000). 80 Curaçao is the only CBTPA beneficiary that is not a member of the IACAC due to its status as an autonomous country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. 81 Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act, Pub. L. No. 106-200, § 211(b)(5)(B)(vii), 114 Stat. 285 (2000). 82 Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-432, § 213A(d)(1)(A)(i), 120 Stat. 3187 (2006). 26 Rule of Law: That Haiti upholds the rule of law, political pluralism, and the right to due process, a fair trial, and equal protection under the law.83 Elimination of Trade Barriers: That Haiti has eliminated barriers to United States trade and investment, including by the provision of national treatment and measures to create an environment conducive to domestic and foreign investment; the protection of intellectual property; and the resolution of bilateral trade and investment disputes.84 Economic Policies to Improve Social Welfare: That Haiti’s economic policies reduce poverty, increase the availability of health care and educational opportunities, expand physical infrastructure, promote the development of private enterprise, and encourage the formation of capital markets through microcredit or other programs.85 Combat Corruption: That Haiti has a system to combat corruption and bribery, such as signing and implementing the Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.86 Protection of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: That Haiti protects internationally recognized worker rights, including the right of association, the right to organize and bargain collectively, a prohibition on the use of any form of forced or compulsory labor, a minimum age for the employment of children, and acceptable conditions of work with respect to minimum wages, hours of work, and occupational safety and health.87 Regional and National Security: That Haiti does not engage in activities that undermine United States national security or foreign policy interests.88 Internationally Recognized Human Rights: That Haiti does not engage in gross violations of internationally recognized human rights or provide support for acts of international terrorism and cooperates in international efforts to eliminate human rights violations and terrorist activities.89  83 Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-432, § 213A(d)(1)(A)(ii), 120 Stat. 3187 (2006). 84 Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-432, § 213A(d)(1)(A)(iii), 120 Stat. 3187 (2006). 85 Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-432, § 213A(d)(1)(A)(iv), 120 Stat. 3187 (2006). 86 Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-432, § 213A(d)(1)(A)(v), 120 Stat. 3188 (2006). 87 Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-432, § 213A(d)(1)(A)(vi), 120 Stat. 3188 (2006). 88 Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-432, § 213A(d)(1)(B), 120 Stat. 3188 (2006). 89 Haitian Hemispheric Opportunity through Partnership Encouragement Act of 2006, Pub. L. No. 109-432, § 213A(d)(1)(C), 120 Stat. 3188 (2006). 27 Producer Eligibility: That Haiti does not have producers who have failed to comply with core labor standards and with the labor laws of Haiti that directly relate to and are consistent with such standards, and seeks to assist producers with coming into compliance with core labor standards and related Haitian laws. For the two-year period ending in December 2021, the DOL and USTR did not identify any producers in Haiti as noncompliant. Since the last report, the DOL has provided compliance assistance to at-risk factories. However, in March 2025, the DOL notified the International Labor Organization (ILO) that their funding for Haiti’s compliance would be terminated effectively. Since then, the ILO has supported Haiti’s compliance assistance, which is set to expire December 2025. Reporting and Programming: The HOPE II Act also requires an annual report to the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee on implementation of the Act’s requirements on the Labor Ombudsman and the TAICNAR Program. The report must include: (i) the efforts of Haiti, the President, and the ILO to carry out the provisions in the Act relating to labor, (ii) a summary of the biannual TAICNAR reports, and (iii) any identification of producers who have failed to comply with core labor standards and related Haitian labor laws and any reinstatement of preferential treatment if it has been previously suspended. The President has delegated authority to the U.S. Trade Representative to submit this report. The most recent report was submitted to Congress on June 18, 2025, and is available on USTR’s website.90  90 2025 USTR Annual Report on the Implementation of the TAICNAR Program and Assessment of Producer Eligibility, available at https://ustr.gov/sites/default/files/files/Issue_Areas/Preference%20Program/Haiti%20HOPE%20II%20Report%20to %20Congress%202025_FOR%20PUBLICATION.pdf (published June 18, 2025). 28 V. Country Reports: Compliance with Eligibility Criteria The country reports contained in this section focus particular attention on current performance of CBI beneficiaries with respect to the eligibility criteria reflected in the CBTPA, as the CBTPA is the most recent expression by Congress of U.S. policy objectives linked to the extension of CBI benefits.91 The pre-existing eligibility criteria of the CBERA are also reflected in the country reports, where relevant. The United States is carefully monitoring compliance with eligibility criteria and will continue to engage bilaterally with relevant countries to resolve outstanding issues and take action where needed. When available, population, gross domestic product (GDP), and per capita GDP figures are drawn from The World Bank DataBank, and otherwise they are drawn from the United Nations (UN) Statistics Division. Trade data are cited in U.S. dollars (customs basis) and are compiled from official statistics of the U.S. Census Bureau, via USITC DataWeb/Census, accessed September 1, 2025. Antigua and Barbuda Indicator 2024 Data Population* 93,772 GDP* $2,224,810,000 GDP per Capita* $23,725.80 U.S. Exports** $567,445,470 U.S. Imports** $ 23,735,540 U.S. Trade Balance** $543,709,930 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). Antigua and Barbuda’s economy is largely driven by tourism, which has surpassed pre-pandemic levels and accounts for roughly 60 percent of its GDP. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported a 4.3 percent real GDP growth in 2024, and projects a decrease to three percent in 2025 and 2.5 percent in 2026. The IMF reported Antigua and Barbuda’s inflation rate was 6.4 percent in 2024, which is projected to decrease to 3.5 percent by the end of 2025 and 2.4 percent in 2026. Antigua and Barbuda remains vulnerable to external shocks such as supply chain issues, natural disasters, and global economic downturns due to a combination of low infrastructure development and its disaster-prone geographic location. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Antigua and Barbuda has generally demonstrated commitment to fulfill its WTO obligations on schedule. Antigua and Barbuda ratified the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) in 2017 and has already implemented several TFA  91 Criteria for some beneficiaries are not addressed in detail due to insufficient information. 29 requirements. It also accepted the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in April 2025, and the agreement entered into force on September 15, 2025, after two-thirds of WTO members ratified it. The Agreement sets binding global rules to curb harmful subsidies by prohibiting support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, overfished stocks, and high seas fishing. This is especially important for Belize, given its reliance on marine exports and tourism. OECS, which includes Antigua and Barbuda, last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2023. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Antigua and Barbuda has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 9.9 percent. Antigua and Barbuda treats foreign and local investors equally with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. Antigua and Barbuda’s general implementation of WTO commitments, and maintenance of a legal regime governing international trade, demonstrate a commitment to the providing equitable and reasonable access for U.S. and foreign goods and services into its market. Reverse Preferences: Antigua and Barbuda is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and participates in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a Common External Tariff (CET). Antigua and Barbuda is a member of CARIFORUM, and party to the CARIFORUM–European Union (EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), as well as the CARIFORUM-United Kingdom (UK) EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. Protection of Intellectual Property: Antigua and Barbuda is party to the TRIPS Agreement and is also a member of the UN World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (Paris Convention), the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the Protocol Relating to the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks (Madrid Protocol), the Nice Agreement Concerning the International Classification of Goods and Services for the Purposes of the Registration of Marks (Nice Agreement), the Vienna Agreement Establishing an International Classification of the Figurative Elements of Marks (Vienna Agreement), and the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literacy and Artistic Works (Berne Convention). The Ministry of Legal Affairs is responsible for the administration of intellectual property laws in Antigua and Barbuda. The registration of patents, trademarks, and service marks is administered by the Intellectual Property & Commerce Office. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of Antigua and Barbuda-owned entities broadcasting copyrighted material belonging to U.S. copyright holders without their express consent. 30 Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Antigua and Barbuda’s law provides for the right of workers to form and join independent unions, the right to bargain collectively, and a limited right to conduct legal strikes. The Court of Industrial Relations can issue an injunction against a legal strike when it deems the national interest to be threatened or affected. Its law prohibits anti-union discrimination but does not require reinstatement of workers illegally fired for union activity. The government generally enforces the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining, though administrative and judicial procedures are often subject to lengthy delays and appeals. Antigua and Barbuda’s national minimum wage law establishes a universal minimum wage across all sectors. The standard workweek is 40 hours. The law provides that workers are not required to work more than a 48-hour, six-day workweek. The law requires that employees be paid one and a half times the employees’ basic hourly wage after exceeding 40 hours in the standard workweek. Its law includes occupational safety and health (OSH) provisions, but some are out of date. Workers are allowed to remove themselves from unsafe situations that endanger their health or safety without jeopardizing their employment. The law prohibits forced or compulsory labor in Antigua and Barbuda. Antigua and Barbuda remained on Tier 2 of the Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report because it does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. Labor inspectors are responsible for enforcing labor laws in the formal and informal economy. Inspectors have the authority to conduct unannounced inspections and initiate sanctions. The number of labor inspectors Antigua and Barbuda employs creates difficulties for Antigua and Barbuda in enforcing compliance with its labor laws. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: Antigua and Barbuda’s laws prohibit the worst forms of child labor. The legal minimum age of employment is 16. In some circumstances, children younger than 16 are eligible for employment with restrictions, such as not working during school hours and working a maximum number of hours. No list of types of hazardous work existed for the protection of those younger than 18. During the reporting period, there were no confirmed cases of the worst forms of child labor. The DOL’s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor did not issue a report on Antigua and Barbuda covering the reporting period. Transparency in Government Procurement: Antigua and Barbuda is not a signatory of the GPA. As a member of the OECS, Antigua and Barbuda generally maintains open and transparent government policies that come under the purview of the Procurement Administration Act 2011. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of non-competitive bidding procedures. 31 Arbitral Awards: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Antigua and Barbuda failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: The United States is aware of one unresolved dispute regarding the 2007 expropriation of an American citizen-owned property in Antigua and Barbuda. To date, the dispute remains open and continue through legal proceedings. The United States will continue to monitor this dispute. Extradition: The United States signed a treaty with OECS, of which Antigua and Barbuda is a member, regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens in 1996. The provisions in the treaty are bilateral. The United States and Antigua and Barbuda are also signatories to a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT). Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Antigua and Barbuda is a party to the IACAC, and is also a party to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). The Integrity in Public Life Act and the Prevention of Corruption Act provide criminal penalties for corruption by officials, and the government generally implements this law if corruption is proven. The Freedom of Information Act gives Antiguan and Barbudan citizens the statutory right to access official documents from public authorities and agencies and created a commissioner to oversee the process. The Act also created a special unit mandated to monitor and verify disclosures. By law, the disclosures are not public. There are criminal and administrative sanctions for noncompliance. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Antigua and Barbuda is not identified as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act (FRAA),92 and as confirmed in the Department of State's 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR). However, Antigua and Barbuda is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is vulnerable to exploitation by drug trafficking networks. Antigua and Barbuda has a working relationship with the United States on counternarcotics operations, resulting in major drug confiscations and maritime interdictions. However, Antigua and Barbuda is a substantial offshore financial center in the Eastern Caribbean and continues to be vulnerable to money laundering and other financial crimes, and drug trafficking appears to be increasing. The Office of National Drug and Money Laundering Control Policy is responsible for combatting narcotics trafficking and money laundering by reporting financial intelligence, conducting investigations, monitoring anti-monetary laundering and counter financing of terrorism compliance, anti-drug strategy, and counter-narcotics operations. Antigua and Barbuda’s Royal Police Force is responsible for investigating drug trafficking, money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes. The United States supports a wide range of efforts designed to address crime and violence affecting citizens of Antigua and Barbuda, primarily through the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a security partnership between  92 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Pub. L. No. 107-228, § 706, 116 Stat. 1424 (2003). 32 the United States and Caribbean countries. The United States maintains bilateral agreements with Antigua and Barbuda to suppress illicit traffic by sea. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Antigua and Barbuda offered export subsidies or imposed trade-distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: The Government of Antigua and Barbuda continues to commit to improving efficiency in trade and investment procedures that could strengthen the country’s economic competitiveness and support long-term growth. Antigua and Barbuda is focused on job creation and improving economic diversification and activity. This includes increasing investment in energy, housing and infrastructure, enhanced telecommunications, education, health care, youth entrepreneurship, and agriculture. Antigua and Barbuda has also committed to digitizing customs procedures and other government services, streamlining trade and administrative procedures, and lowering business operation costs. The government welcomes foreign direct investment (FDI), prioritizing investments in tourism, yachting and marine services, agriculture and agro- processing, and business process outsourcing. The government remains committed to improving the business climate to attract more foreign investment. Additionally, significant investments in the tourism sector by U.S. interests are contributing to the expansion of this main economic sector. Similarly, U.S. interests continue to play a considerable role in enhancing development projects such as water distribution and power generation through the Eastern Caribbean’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) and marine bunkering operation. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Antigua and Barbuda continues to encourage investments that will create jobs and increase exports and foreign exchange earnings. Antigua and Barbuda is a member of CARICOM, which aims to promote economic growth, security, and stability through trade and investment in the region. As a member, Antigua and Barbuda’s trade policies seek to contribute to the revitalization of the Caribbean region. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Antigua and Barbuda continued to cooperate with the United States in the administration of the CBERA. 33 Aruba Indicator 2024 Data Population* 107,624 GDP* $3,648,570,000 (2023) GDP per Capita* $33,984.80 (2023) U.S. Exports** $717,753,104 U.S. Imports** $10,707,534 U.S. Trade Balance** $707,045,570 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Aruba’s main economic drivers are tourism and private investment, and Aruba maintains a stable financial system, open economy, and robust efforts to attract international investment. Fiscal conditions are improving, and international reserves are expected to increase to approximately $1.5 billion in 2025. The IMF reported a 6.5 percent real GDP growth in 2024, and projects a decrease to 2.2 percent in 2025 and forecasts 2.6 percent for 2026. The IMF reported Aruba’s inflation rate was 1.7 percent in 2024, which is expected to decrease to 1.5 percent by the end of 2025 and projected to increase to 1.9 percent in 2026. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Aruba is not a full, independent member of the WTO. However, as an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, it is subject to some WTO Agreements. Market Access/WTO Rules: The World Bank reports Aruba has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 9.9 percent. Aruba offers fair and open access to its market for U.S. goods and services, and the United States is its biggest trading partner. Due to its climate, small size, and limited natural resources, Aruba depends heavily on imports to meet needs across almost all areas of consumption. Reverse Preferences: During the reporting period, Aruba did not afford preferential treatment to the products of a developed country other than the United States. Protection of Intellectual Property: Aruba is subject to the TRIPS Agreement and is also a member of WIPO. It is a subject to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention, the PCT, the Nice Agreement, the Vienna Agreement, and the Berne Convention. The Government of Aruba protects industrial designs through its Industrial Design Act and artistic works under the Copyright Act and the Berne Convention. Aruba’s Department of Intellectual Property is responsible for the administration, registration, and protection of intellectual property rights. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of the expropriation of intellectual property or 34 broadcasting of copyright material occurring in Aruba. The Telecommunication Authority regulates licensing and ensures broadcasters maintain compliance. Unauthorized use can trigger civil claims and criminal sanctions, while courts have authority to seize infringing material and equipment and close venues if necessary. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Aruba’s law provides for the right of workers to form and join independent unions, the right to bargain collectively, and the right to strike. Its law prohibits anti-union discrimination and requires reinstatement for workers fired for union activity. The government generally enforces the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Its law provides for a monthly minimum wage across all sectors. A minimum hourly wage was established in September 2025, and will take effect in January 2026. The minimum hourly wage is expected to address discrepancies in hourly pay between workers who work a 40-hour workweek and those whose standard workweek is longer. The statutory limit on working hours is eight and a half hours per day for a 5-day working week or 48 hours per week for shift work. Each employee is legally entitled to paid holidays of at least 15 workdays per year. Its law includes OSH guidelines, and the government proactively identifies unsafe working conditions and responds to workers’ OSH complaints. The law prohibits forced and compulsory labor in Aruba. Aruba remained on Tier 2 of the Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report because it does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. Aruba’s Department of Labor and Investigation is responsible for enforcing its labor laws. Labor inspectors have the authority to conduct unannounced inspections and initiate sanctions. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: Aruba’s law prohibits the worst forms of child labor. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is responsible for safeguarding fundamental human rights and freedoms in Aruba. The minimum age for employment is 15, but children older than 13 who have finished elementary school may take an apprenticeship so long as no tasks are dangerous or physically or mentally demanding, as defined by law. During the reporting period, there were no confirmed cases of the worst forms of child labor. The DOL’s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor did not issue a report on Aruba covering the reporting period. Transparency in Government Procurement: Aruba is a party to the GPA through the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and is obligated to meet the agreement’s requirements for transparency and non- discrimination in government procurement. Arbitral Awards: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Aruba demonstrated a lack of good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. 35 Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where the Government of Aruba nationalized, expropriated, or seized the property of a U.S. citizen or corporation. Extradition: Aruba is subject to the 1980 extradition treaty between the United States and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: The Kingdom of the Netherlands, and therefore Aruba, is not a party to the IACAC. However, the Kingdom of the Netherlands (and Aruba) is a party to the UNCAC, and Aruba pursues an active anticorruption policy in coordination with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Aruban laws provide criminal penalties for official corruption. There were isolated reports of government corruption over recent years, and all these cases have gone to court, with most leading to convictions or still under investigation. There are no laws requiring financial disclosure; however, for most senior positions, each organization has its own regulations to avoid conflicts of interest. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Aruba is not identified as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA,93 and as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. However, Aruba is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is vulnerable to exploitation by drug trafficking networks. Aruba’s police force, the Korps Politie Aruba (KPA), is a strong regional partner to the United States in addressing drug trafficking and combating international criminal organizations. The KPA collects and shares intelligence with regional law enforcement partners and continues to show a willingness to work together on a case-by-case basis. The KPA conducted several successful investigations in 2024, many of them in support of interdiction efforts with the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. The Dutch Koninklijke Marechaussee, the national gendarmerie force of the Netherlands, is a strong partner of U.S. law enforcement and now has permanent personnel stationed in Aruba. During 2024, the United States also strengthened partnerships with the Prosecutor’s Office in Aruba, leading to increased collaboration. The obligations of the Netherlands as a party to the 1961 UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, as amended, and the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and its three Protocols apply to Aruba. Aruba hosts CBP preclearance personnel, and together are regularly involved in significant seizures of cocaine at Reina Beatrix Airport. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Aruba offered export subsidies or imposed trade-distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: The Government of Aruba has shown a commitment to economic diversification and fiscal reform implementation, including improving purchasing power,  93 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Pub. L. No. 107-228, § 706, 116 Stat. 1424 (2003). 36 increasing pensions, reducing the cost of living, reducing business costs, and promoting private sector investment. Additionally, Aruba is investing in financial technology and developing local and international digital commerce, primarily targeted at young entrepreneurs. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Aruba engages in trade with regional partners, and maintains open trade policies that actively encourage commerce within and beyond the region. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Aruba demonstrated cooperation with the United States in the administration of the CBERA through its efforts to modernize customs and border processes and enhance private sector engagement. 37 The Bahamas Indicator 2024 Data Population* 401,283 GDP* $15,832,800,000 GDP per Capita* $39,455.4 U.S. Exports** $5,482,995,498 U.S. Imports** $1,792,370,327 U.S. Trade Balance** $3,690,625,171 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: The Bahamas is a developed country and one of the largest economies in CARICOM. The Bahamas relies on imports from the United States to satisfy its fuel and food needs and conducts more than 85 percent of its international goods trade with the United States. Tourism and financial services serve as the main driver for the country’s economy and employment, accounting for 70 percent and 15 percent of the country’s GDP, respectively. Tourism and related services employ just over half the workforce. In February 2025, the government estimated national unemployment rates have levelled off to 8.7 percent, the lowest rate since 2008. The IMF reported a two percent real GDP growth in 2024, and projects a decrease to 1.8 percent in 2025 and 1.7 percent for 2026. The inflation rate is expected to be 0.9 percent by the end of 2025, and projected to increase to 1.3 percent in 2026. The country continues to remain vulnerable to natural disasters and external shocks. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: The Bahamas is an observer at the WTO. The country has had a protracted accession process since first applying for membership in 2001. In 2018, the government set a goal of WTO accession by the end of 2019. The government continues to amend policies and legislation to ensure their alignment with international best practices, but The Bahamas’ WTO accession remains inactive as of 2025. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports The Bahamas has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 30.3 percent. The Bahamas reserves 15 sectors of the economy for Bahamian investors: wholesale and retail operations (although international investors may engage in the wholesale distribution of any product they produce locally); agencies engaged in import or export; real estate agencies and domestic property management; domestic newspapers and magazine publications; domestic advertising and public relations firms; nightclubs and restaurants except specialty, gourmet, and ethnic restaurants, and those operating in a hotel, resort or tourist attraction; security services; domestic distribution of building supplies; construction companies except for special structures requiring foreign expertise; personal cosmetic or beauty establishments; commercial fishing including both deep water fishing and shallow water fishing of crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and sponges; auto and appliance services; public transportation including boat charters; and domestic gaming. The government does make exceptions to this policy on a case-by-case basis, and, during 38 the reporting period, the United States found that the Bahamian government regularly granted foreign investors full market access in these sectors. Except for these reserved sectors, the Bahamian government does not give preferential treatment to investors based on nationality. Investors have equal access to incentives, including land grants, tax concessions, and direct marketing and budgetary support. The government provides guidelines for investment through its National Investment Policy, administered by The Bahamas Investment Authority, and through the Commercial Enterprises Act administered by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Reverse Preferences: The Bahamas is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. The Bahamas is also a member of CARIFORUM and party to the CARIFORUM–EU EPA and the CARIFORUM-UK EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. Protection of Intellectual Property: The Bahamas has not yet acceded to the WTO and therefore is not a party to the TRIPS Agreement. It has been a member of WIPO since 1977 but has not ratified the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty or the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), collectively known as the WIPO Internet Treaties. It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention, Madrid Protocol, the Nice Agreement, the Vienna Agreement, and the Berne Convention. The Registrar General’s Office has an intellectual property registry covering patents, trademarks, copyrights, integrated circuits, false trade descriptions, new plant varieties, and geographic indicators. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of the expropriation of intellectual property or broadcasting copyright materials in The Bahamas without the express consent of the copyright holder. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: The law of The Bahamas provides for the right of workers to form and join independent unions and the right to bargain collectively. The law provides for the right to strike but with significant restrictions. Its law prohibits anti-union discrimination and employers may be compelled to reinstate workers illegally fired for union activity. The government generally enforces laws protecting freedom of association and collective bargaining. Its law provides a minimum wage for all sectors. Its law establishes a 40-hour workweek, a 24- hour rest period, and time-and-a-half payment for hours worked beyond the standard workweek. 39 Its law stipulates paid annual holidays and prohibits compulsory overtime. There is no cap on overtime. The Bahamas’ law sets OSH standards appropriate for its main industries, including standards concerning the provision of safe systems of work, safe handling and storage of substances, adequate information and training, and a safe work environment. The government does not proactively identify unsafe conditions, but responds to OSH complaints. The Bahamas’ constitution prohibits forced labor. The Bahamas remained on Tier 1 of the Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report because it fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and the government continues to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts to eliminate trafficking during the reporting period. The Bahamas’ law does not explicitly prohibit charging workers recruitment fees. The Department of Labour is responsible for enforcing labor laws, although it enforces them inconsistently, especially in the informal economy. Inspectors have the authority to make unannounced inspections and initiate sanctions, but infrequently conduct random site visits. This is in part due to the limited number of labor inspectors employed in The Bahamas, which creates difficulty in enforcing compliance with its labor laws. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The Bahamas’ laws prohibit the worst forms of child labor. Its law prohibits the employment of children younger than age 14 for industrial work and any work during school hours or between the hours of 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Children between ages of 14 and 18 may work outside of school hours under specific conditions. During the reporting period, there were no confirmed cases of the worst forms of child labor. The DOL’s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor did not issue a report on The Bahamas during the reporting period. Transparency in Government Procurement: The Bahamas is not a signatory to the GPA. International and domestic investments in The Bahamas remain relatively consistent; however, U.S. companies have raised concerns with inconsistency in the tender process for public contracts, single source procurement practices, and difficulty with obtaining information on the status of bids. The government passed an updated Public Procurement Act, refreshed its eProcurement and Suppliers Registry System, and launched a new eProcurement platform in 2023. The United States continues to monitor the implementation of these efforts to identify potential improvement in procurement in The Bahamas. Arbitral Awards: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where The Bahamas demonstrated a lack of good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. The Bahamas is a member of both the ICSID and party to the Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards (New York Convention). Disputes between companies are generally handled in local courts, and foreign investors can refer cases to the ICSID. The Bahamas’ Arbitration Act of 2009 enacted the New York Convention and provides 40 a domestic legal framework. There are no restrictions on foreign investors negotiating arbitration provisions in private agreements. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: Property rights in The Bahamas are protected under Article 27 of the Bahamian Constitution, which prohibits the deprivation of property without prompt and adequate compensation. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where the government nationalized, expropriated, or seized the property of a U.S. citizen or corporation. Extradition: The Bahamas and the United States signed an extradition treaty in 1990 and continue to cooperate closely on extradition matters. The Bahamas is also a party to the 1987 Treaty on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption: The Bahamas is a party to the IACAC, and is also party to the UNCAC. The Bahamas has national anti-corruption and anti- bribery laws in place, including criminal penalties for corruption by public officials, including fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment of up to four years, or both. Despite these laws, there are isolated reports of officials engaged in corrupt practices, including accepting small-scale “bribes of convenience.” During the reporting period, the United States was made aware of concerns with political system corruption, including allegations of widespread patronage, the routine directing of government contracts to political supporters, and favorable treatment for wealthy or politically connected individuals. Counternarcotics Cooperation: In 2025, the U.S. Government identified The Bahamas as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of FRAA, and as confirmed in the Department of State's 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR). The Bahamas is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is vulnerable to exploitation to firearms trafficking, drug trafficking, and migrant smuggling. The Bahamas’ proximity to the coast of Florida, as well as its location on Caribbean transshipment routes, makes it a natural conduit for trafficking in and smuggling of narcotics. The Bahamas is a party to the 1988 UN Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, and has cooperated extensively with the United States on counter- narcotics and law enforcement issues. The Bahamas continues to partner with the other Caribbean nations and the United States under the CBSI. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of The Bahamas offered export subsidies or imposed trade- distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: The Government of The Bahamas is focused on the diversification of the economy by promoting investment in energy generation, such as LNG and renewables, light manufacturing, digital services, financial technologies, agriculture, fisheries, and extractive industries. Economic and legislative actions are focused on creating jobs, enhancing skills, and 41 increasing foreign exchange to spur economic growth. The Bahamas also aims to leverage Grand Bahama’s manufacturing experience, proximity to international shipping lanes, and free trade zone to establish a regional manufacturing hub. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: The Bahamas is a member of CARICOM, which seeks to contribute to the revitalization of the CBI region. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, The Bahamas demonstrated increased cooperation with the United States in the administration of the CBERA. The Bahamas’ trade authorities are working to scale up trade capacity, logistics management, marketing, and e-commerce, and to diversify markets, including by more widely publicizing opportunities under the CBERA. 42 Barbados Indicator 2024 Data Population* 282,467 GDP* $7,165,000,000 GDP per Capita $25,365.80 U.S. Exports $768,532,568 U.S. Imports $48,586,697 U.S. Trade Balance $719,945,871 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Barbados’ economy grew by an estimated four percent in 2024. The country’s services sector continues to be the main economic driver, especially in the areas of tourism, international business, and financial and insurance services. The IMF reported a four percent real GDP growth in 2024, and projects a decrease to three percent by the end of 2025 and increase to 2.3 percent in 2026. The IMF reported Barbados’ inflation rate was 0.5 percent in 2024, which is projected to increase to 1.8 percent by the end of 2025 and 2.4 percent in 2026. Barbados remains vulnerable to supply-chain delays and volatile food and fuel prices. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Barbados has generally demonstrated its commitment to fulfill its WTO obligations on schedule. Barbados ratified the TFA in 2018 and has already implemented several TFA requirements. It also accepted the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in February 2024, and the agreement entered into force on September 15, 2025, after two-thirds of WTO members ratified it. Barbados last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2022 Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Barbados has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 11.7 percent. Barbados treats foreign and local investors equally with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. Barbados’ general implementation of WTO commitments, along with an extensive domestic legal regime governing international trade, demonstrates the country’s commitment to provide equitable and reasonable access for U.S. goods and services to its market. Reverse Preferences: Barbados is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. Barbados is also a member of CARIFORUM, and party to the CARIFORUM–EU EPA and the CARIFORUM-UK EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. However, the United States was not aware of adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. 43 Protection of Intellectual Property: Barbados is party to the TRIPS Agreement. It is also a member of WIPO and has acceded to the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) and WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT), collectively known as the WIPO Internet Treaties, in 2019. It is also a signatory to various other intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention, the PCT, the Nice Agreement, the Vienna Agreement, and the Berne Convention. The Minister of Energy and Business Development is responsible for the administration of intellectual property laws, and supports the registration of patents, trademarks, and service marks. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: Barbados remains on USTR’s 2025 Special 301 Watch List due to a number of concerns, including the unauthorized retransmission of U.S. broadcasts and cable programming by local cable operators in Barbados, particularly state- owned broadcasters, without adequate compensation to U.S. right holders. The United States also has continuing concerns about the refusal of Barbadian television and radio broadcasters and cable and satellite operators to pay for public performances of music. Insufficient legal resources, staffing shortages, weak enforcement of existing legislation, and long-standing backlogs in the judicial system continue to hamper progress. The United States urges Barbados to take all actions necessary to address the issues listed in the Special 301 Report, and looks forward to working with Barbados to resolve these issues. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Barbados’ law provides for the right of workers to form and join unions and conduct legal strikes, but its law does not specifically recognize the right to bargain collectively. Its law also does not obligate employers to recognize a union or accept collective bargaining. Its law prohibits anti-union discrimination and a tribunal may order reinstatement, rehiring, or compensation for anti-union discrimination. Although companies are under no legal obligation to recognize unions, most major employers do so in cases where more than 50 percent of employees request to unionize. Companies are sometimes hesitant to engage in collective bargaining. By law, individuals may take cases of unfair dismissals before the Employment Rights Tribunal. The process often has lengthy delays. Barbados’ law provides for a minimum wage for all sectors. The standard legal workweek is 40 hours in five days. Its law requires overtime payment of time and a half for hours worked more than the legal standard and prescribed that all overtime hours be voluntary, through there is no maximum number of overtime hours. Barbados’ Safety and Health at Work Act governs the general health and safety of workers in all workplaces, except private household domestic services. The government responds to workers’ OSH complaints and the law provides workers the right to refuse dangerous work without jeopardy to their employment. All forms of forced or compulsory labor are prohibited in Barbados. Barbados was downgraded to the Tier 2 Watch List of the Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report because it 44 did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking compared to the previous reporting period. The Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Third Sector is responsible for enforcing labor laws in Barbados. Labor inspectors are required to notify employers of their presence during an inspection, except where the inspectors consider such notification would impinge on the performance of their duties. The number of inspectors appears sufficient to enforce compliance, but the additional responsibility of dispute conciliation takes up about two thirds of labor inspectors’ time. Barbados’ law gives inspectors the power to initiate proceedings against employers for any violation or offense. Trade unions can identify safety problems for government factory inspectors to ensure the enforcement of safety and health regulations and effective correction by management. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: Barbados’ law prohibits the worst forms of child labor. The Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act sets the minimum employment age at 16 for certain sectors, including mines, quarries, manufacturing, construction, and demolition work, but does not cover sectors such as agriculture or family businesses. It also prohibits children younger than 18 working in industrial settings between 6 p.m. and 7 a.m. or performing tasks that could harm their health, safety, or morals. During the reporting period, there were no confirmed cases of the worst forms of child labor. The DOL’s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor did not issue a report on Barbados covering the reporting period. Transparency in Government Procurement: Barbados is not a signatory of the GPA. Barbados’ Public Procurement Act governs public procurement and promotes transparency, integrity, efficiency, value for money, and fair competition in public procurement. The Public Procurement Act also establishes a tribunal for complaints against the public procurement process. The Act was recently amended to include provision for an e-procurement system through the Government Procurement Department and simplify the process for suppliers with the establishment of a Supplier Register. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of non-competitive bidding procedures. Arbitral Awards: Barbados has been a member of the ICSID since 1995. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Barbados failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where the Government of Barbados nationalized, expropriated, or seized the property of a U.S. citizen or corporation. Extradition: The United States and Barbados have signed a bilateral treaty regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens. Both parties are also signatories to an MLAT. 45 Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Barbados is a party to the IACAC, and is also party to the UNCAC. Barbados provides criminal penalties for official corruption, and the government generally implements these laws effectively. Barbados’ Prevention of Corruption Act includes standards of integrity in public life. However, Barbados has yet to enact several bills into law that would strengthen efforts to combat corruption, including the Integrity in Public Life Bill of 2018, and the Freedom of Information Act. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Barbados is not identified as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA, and as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. However, Barbados is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is vulnerable to exploitation by drug trafficking networks. Barbados continues be susceptible to money laundering that is associated with the domestic sale of illegal narcotics and foreign criminal proceeds, due to being a regional financial center with a sizeable international banking company presence. The Barbados’ Police Service has a Drug Squad focusing on the policies, goals, strategies, and legislation to eliminate narcotics trafficking. The United States also maintains bilateral agreements with Barbados to combat illicit traffic by sea. The United States and Barbados continue to coordinate on efforts designed to address crime, such as drug trade, and violence affecting citizens of Barbados and the region through training and equipment support. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period the United States was not aware of any cases where the Government of Barbados offered export subsidies or imposed trade-distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: The Government of Barbados has demonstrated a continued commitment to improving efficiency in trade and investment procedures in order to strengthen the country’s economic competitiveness and support long-term growth. Barbados welcomes foreign investment and has identified priorities such as information technology, global education services, health, cultural services, renewable energy, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, and the green and blue economy. Barbados plans to continue investing in economic diversification, technology, tourism, and environmental development. Additionally, investments are being made to strengthen and streamline customs procedures and other government services. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Barbados is a member of CARICOM and encourages policies that will create jobs and increase exports and foreign exchange earnings in the region. Barbados’ trade policies, particularly those within CARICOM, seek to contribute to the revitalization of the CBI region. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Barbados continued to cooperate with the United States in the administration of the CBERA. 46 Belize Indicator 2024 Data Population* 417,072 GDP* $3,515,780,000 GDP per Capita* $8,429.70 U.S. Exports** $598,663,038 U.S. Imports** $81,128,498 U.S. Trade Balance** $517,534,540 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic and Security Overview: Belize has a small, open economy driven primarily by tourism, private enterprise, and agriculture. Belize maintains a strong trade relationship with the United States, with U.S. goods accounting for 41.6 percent of Belize’s imports in 2024, up slightly from 41 percent in 2023. The IMF reported an 8.2 percent real GDP growth in 2024, and projects a decrease to 3.2 percent in 2025 and 2.5 percent for 2026. The IMF reported Belize’s inflation rate was 3.3 percent in 2024, which is projected to decrease to 2.1 percent by the end of 2025 and 1.5 percent in 2026. The country remains vulnerable to transnational criminal organizations and illicit narcotics trafficking. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Belize generally shows a commitment to fulfill its obligations. Belize ratified the TFA in 2015 and has already implemented several TFA requirements. It also was the first Central American and CARICOM WTO Member to accept the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in June 2023. The agreement entered into force on September 15, 2025, after two-thirds of WTO members ratified it. Belize last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2017. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Belize has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 12.1 percent. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of significant barriers for U.S. goods entering Belize. Belize treats foreign and local investors equally with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. Belize’s general implementation of WTO commitments, and maintenance of a legal regime governing international trade, demonstrate a commitment to the providing equitable and reasonable access for U.S. and foreign goods and services into its market. Reverse Preferences: Belize is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. Belize is also a member of CARIFORUM, and party to the CARIFORUM– EU EPA and the CARIFORUM-UK EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. In 2022, Belize and Taiwan signed 47 an Economic Cooperation Agreement that provides preferential tariffs for an estimated 33 products from Taiwan to Belize, including food preparations, rubber products, iron products, and machine tools. Belize and Taiwan signed an Open Sky Air Services Agreement in 2020, allowing designated airlines to operate unlimited passenger and cargo flights between Belize and Taiwan via any intermediate points. The United States was not aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. Protection of Intellectual Property: Belize is party to the TRIPS Agreement and is also a member of WIPO. It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the WCT and WPPT, the Paris Convention, the PCT, the Madrid Protocol, the Nice Agreement, the Vienna Agreement, and the Berne Convention. Intellectual property rights must be registered and are generally enforced through civil proceedings initiated by the rights holder. The Belize Intellectual Property Office is responsible for overseeing intellectual property rights, including registration and enforcement of patents, trademarks, copyrights, and industrial designs. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: The Belize Intellectual Property Office serves as the country’s intellectual property authority, providing a registry for copyright materials, industrial designs, patents, trademarks, plant varieties, and semiconductor topographies. After passing trademarks and patents legislation in 2022, Belize implemented the Madrid Protocol and launched Madrid e-Filing in May 2024. These actions allowed digital filling in the country, making Belize the first country in Central America to do so. While registration processes have been modernized, enforcement of intellectual property rights remains minimal. The Customs Department in Belize faces challenges in policing counterfeit goods due to limited staffing and equipment. Specifically, there have been no reported interceptions of counterfeit goods since five shipments were intercepted in 2022. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Belize’s law generally provides for the right to establish and join independent trade unions, bargain collectively, and conduct legal strikes. Its law prohibits anti-union discrimination and dissolution or suspension of unions by administrative authority. Its law requires reinstatement of workers fired for union activity, though during the reporting period the government is not reported to have applied this law, opting instead to order monetary compensation for workers dismissed for union activity. Anti-union discrimination and employer interference in union functions sometimes occurs—primarily in the agricultural sector with a large proportion of migrant workers. The government rarely investigates these cases or holds perpetrators accountable. Belize’s law provides for a national minimum wage. The law sets the workweek at six days or 45 hours and requires premium pay for overtime work. Belize’s Factories Act and Labor Act contain provisions related to OSH in the workplace, and OSH regulations for all industries stipulate that the employer has to take “reasonable care” for the 48 safety of employees. Workers can remove themselves from situations that endanger health or safety without jeopardy to their employment. Belize’s constitution prohibits all forms of forced labor. Belize remained on Tier 2 of the State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report because it does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. The 2013 Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Act imposes stringent penalties for forced labor, but resource constraints continue to limit enforcement. There are significant concerns regarding the exploitation of migrant workers in the agricultural and service sectors, workers who are particularly vulnerable to trafficking and being denied their labor rights. The Ministry of Labor is responsible for enforcing labor laws. Labor inspectors have the authority to make unannounced inspections and initiate penalties. However, the number of inspectors creates difficulties for Belize in enforcing compliance with its labor laws, particularly in rural areas or in the informal economy. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The DOL’s 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor reports Belize made moderate advancement in its efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Belize’s laws set the minimum age for employment at 12 years, allowing children aged 12 to 13 to engage in light work with permission from the Labor Commissioner, though there is no list of activities considered light work. Belize’s laws permit children over 14 to engage in industrial work. Belize has initiated a legislative process to establish a formal list of hazardous occupations prohibited for children, but no such list has yet been finalized or published. Children in Belize remain vulnerable to exploitation in commercial sexual activities and hazardous work, including agriculture, services, mining, and construction. Transparency in Government Procurement: Belize is not a party to the GPA. Belize’s Finance and Audit (Reform) Act of 2020 provides standards to ensure the regulation of public revenue, expenditure, and contracting. Belize’s Constitution Act established the Office of the Auditor- General, which serves as the nation’s audit institution responsible for auditing ministries, departments, and statutory bodies. The Ministry of Finance outlines additional policies and procedures for government procurement in the Belize Stores Orders and Financial Orders. The Manual for the Control of Public Finances provides the framework for the registration and use of public funds to procure goods and services. During the reporting period, Belize made some progress in filling key transparency and oversight positions, including the Integrity Commission, the Ombudsman’s Office, and the Auditor General's Office. However, these offices continue to face significant challenges due to persistent understaffing and limited resources, which hinder their ability to fully execute their mandates effectively. Efforts to strengthen capacity and funding remain ongoing but have yet to reach levels sufficient for robust oversight. Stakeholders have reported that political parties engage in patronage, influencing the awarding of licenses, government contracts, and the allocation of some public land to private owners. They also report instances of government officials and police 49 soliciting bribes. U.S. companies have reported challenges competing in bidding, procurement, and dispute settlement processes, particularly with state-owned enterprises (SOE), which continue to discourage U.S. investment in Belize. Arbitral Awards: Belize is a signatory of the ICSID, but has not yet ratified the convention. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Belize failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: The United States is aware of three separate unresolved disputes from 2009, 2016, and 2023 involving the expropriation of a U.S. citizen- owned property by the Government of Belize. To date, all three disputes are open and continue through legal proceedings. The United States will continue to actively monitor these disputes. Extradition: Belize and the United States signed an extradition treaty in 2000, with instruments of ratification exchanged in 2001. Although Belize revised its Extradition Act in July 2023, extraditions with the United States continue to operate on the basis of reciprocity as outlined in the 2000 treaty. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention Against Corruption: Belize is a party to the IACAC, and is also party to the UNCAC. Belize is working with the UN Development Program and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime to implement its protocols. Under Belize’s Prevention of Corruption in Public Life Act, public officials are required to disclose their assets, income, and liabilities, with penalties for non-compliance including fines of up to $1,500, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Enforcement of the Act has been inconsistent, however. In 2023, 79 current and former parliamentarians and municipal council members were identified for failing to file their required declarations. A newly appointed Integrity Commission took office in April 2024, pledging stricter oversight. However, as of July 2025, there have been no prosecutions or convictions related to the 2023 cases. In 2024, Belize’s Financial Intelligence Unit increased the number of cases related to anti-corruption and asset forfeiture involving public officials. Also, while these examples demonstrate progress, they often target relatively junior officials, and systemic barriers such as political influence continue to hinder broader enforcement efforts. Counternarcotics Cooperation: In 2024, the U.S. Government identified Belize as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA, and as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. Belize is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II – Money Laundering, and is vulnerable to exploitation by drug trafficking networks. Belize continues to face challenges with reducing narcotics transit, which is mostly destined for the U.S. market. However, Belize continues to make substantial efforts to adhere to international counternarcotics agreements and to take measures specified in relevant U.S. law, leading to a steady decline in air 50 transit over the last several years. In May 2024, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency-vetted Anti- Narcotics Unit conducted a controlled purchase operation, resulting in the arrest of four drug traffickers and the largest known methamphetamine seizure in Belize’s history. During the reporting period, the United States continued to support Belize’s efforts to disrupt and decrease the flow of narcotics, weapons, and illicit proceeds generated by sales of illegal drugs, and to confront gangs and criminal organizations. In July 2025, Belize and the United States signed a Memorandum of Cooperation on Enhancing Border Security and Public Safety to help Belize develop new border management tools to combat illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations. The United States is also supporting Belize’s investigative capacity to conduct intelligence-based operations leading to prosecutions and improve the interoperability and compatibility of Belize law enforcement communication systems to interdict drug trafficking. Trade-Distorting Measures: Belize maintains export subsidies through the administration of several investment incentives programs to domestic companies to provide tax deferments, tax reductions, access to land and capital, and preferential access to certain government concessions. In rare cases, guarantees are issued for SOE investments to secure funding from development institutions. Both domestic and foreign investors seeking to access incentives must comply with program-specific conditions, including performance requirements. Self-Help Measures: Belize is working toward economic sustainability by diversifying its export portfolio beyond traditional commodities. Belize is increasingly focusing on exports such as coconut and coconut products, pineapples, direct consumption sugars, soursop, passion fruit, and fruit juices. To support this transition, businesses are investing in advanced technologies to develop higher-value products tailored for international markets. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Belize is a member of CARICOM, which aims to promote regional growth and stability through trade and investment. Trade within CARICOM is Belize’s third-largest export market, behind the United States and United Kingdom. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Belize continued to cooperate with the United States in the administration of the CBERA. 51 British Virgin Islands Indicator 2024 Data Population* 39,471 GDP* $1,505,856,107 (2023) GDP per Capita* $38,627 (2023) U.S. Exports** $308,846,832 U.S. Imports** $60,193,702 U.S. Trade Balance** $248,653,130 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a British Overseas Territory, and is a member of the OECS. The BVI’s economy is primarily driven by tourism and financial services, which account for nearly 60 percent of the BVI’s GDP. The UN Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean projects the BVI’s real GDP growth rate to be 2.2 percent in 2025 and 2.3 percent in 2026. The BVI reported an inflation rate of 3.3 percent in 2024, and projected a rate of 2.1 percent in 2025. The BVI remains vulnerable to increasing natural disasters, lack of economic diversification, and economic externalities such as economic slowdowns due to global geopolitical conflict and supply chain disruptions. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: As a British Overseas Territory, the BVI is not a member of the WTO. Market Access/WTO Rules: The World Bank reports the BVI has a simple average MFN applied tariff of one percent. As a British Overseas Territory, the BVI’s trade policy is generally aligned with that of the UK. The BVI does not have bilateral trade agreements with the United States; however, U.S. goods and services are generally accessible in the BVI market. Additionally, the BVI treats foreign and local investors equally with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. However, during the reporting period, the United States was made aware of barriers to trade in services for U.S. maritime businesses operating in the territory by several U.S. stakeholders. Reverse Preferences: The BVI is an associate member of CARICOM, and therefore is not a full member of the CSME and is not subject to the CARICOM CET. During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. Protection of Intellectual Property: The BVI is subject to the laws governing the protection of intellectual property of the UK, which is subject to the TRIPS Agreement. The Intellectual Property Office within the Registry of Corporate Affairs is responsible for overseeing intellectual 52 property laws in the BVI, including administration, registration, and protection of intellectual property rights. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of expropriation of U.S. intellectual property or broadcasting U.S. copyright materials without the express consent of copyright holders. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: The BVI’s law provides for the rights to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and the right to strike, with some restrictions. Its law prohibits anti-union discrimination and courts may require reinstatement of workers fired for union activity. The BVI has established an hourly minimum wage. Its law sets a normal workday as eight hours and a standard workweek at 40 hours, with premium pay for overtime. The BVI’s labor code sets out requirements related to OSH. The BVI criminally prohibits forced labor. The Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons report did not rank the British Virgin Islands for the reporting period.94 The Ministry of Natural Resources and Labor manages and administers labor matters in all sectors of the economy and regulates working conditions to protect the health, safety and welfare of workers. Additionally, the Labor Commissioner is responsible for protecting worker rights and wages and enforcing labor laws. Labor inspectors are authorized to make unannounced inspections. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The DOL’s 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor found no evidence that child labor existed in the BVI during the reporting period. The minimum age for work is 16 and the minimum age for hazardous work is 18. The BVI’s law does not criminalize the use of children in illicit activities, such as the production or trafficking of drugs, or the use of a girl ages 16 to 17 or of boys in prostitution, falling short of international standards. Transparency in Government Procurement: The BVI is not a signatory of the GPA and all procurement implementation and legislation fall under the BVIs own purview, rather than that of the UK. The BVI’s Public Procurement Regulations govern the awarding of government contracts within the territory and ensures accountability and transparency in their procurement processes. Arbitral Awards: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any case where the BVI failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. The BVI adheres to international legal standards, including the recognition and enforcement of arbitral  94 The BVI was covered under the 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report narrative for the United Kingdom. 53 awards under the New York Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards, to which the UK is a party. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: During the reporting period, the United States was made aware of several cases in 2025 involving the expropriation or seizure of U.S. Virgin Island citizen-owned property by the Government of the British Virgin Islands. The United States will continue to actively monitor these reports. Extradition: The BVI is subject to the 2003 Extradition Treaty between the United States and the UK, and is also subject to the UK’s laws. All extradition requests for individuals located in the BVI must go through diplomatic channels via the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; the Governor of the BVI, who acts as the UK’s representative in the territory; and local courts in the BVI, where the subject may contest the extradition under BVI law. Additionally, extradition from the BVI requires dual criminality (the offense must be a crime in both jurisdictions) and is subject to judicial review. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: The BVI’s international obligations derive from those of the UK. The BVI is not a party to the IACAC; however, the UK (and the BVI) is a party to the UNCAC and the BVI pursues an active anticorruption policy in coordination with the UK. The BVI laws provide criminal penalties for official corruption, including money laundering. Counternarcotics Cooperation: The BVI has not been identified as a major drug transit country or major illicit drug-producing country under section 706 of the FRAA, and as confirmed in the Department of State's 2025 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), and is not listed in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control. However, the BVI is mentioned in Volume II: Money Laundering, and remains vulnerable to money laundering. The report notes that the BVI’s proximity to the U.S. Virgin Islands and use of the U.S. dollar as its currency pose additional risk factors for money laundering. BVI authorities work with regional and U.S. law enforcement agencies to mitigate these threats. Trade-Distorting Measures: The BVI does not provide export subsidies and does not mandate local content. The BVI economy is primarily a services-based offshore financial center with modest goods exports and does not engage in subsidized export promotion. As a British Overseas Territory, the BVI is subject to the UK’s WTO commitments, and there is no record or notification of prohibited measures being reported for the BVI. However, on June 1, 2025, the BVI adopted the Commercial Recreational Vessel Licensing Act, increasing the fees on foreign charter vessels entering the BVI’s territorial waters by up to 4,000 percent. The changes are significantly affecting the marine tourism industry of the U.S. Virgin Islands, which is closely integrated with the BVI, including forcing USVI charter operators to close or relocate. The USVI marine tourism industry supports as many as 5,000 jobs and contributes approximately $166 million to the local economy. 54 Self-Help Measures: The BVI is working to diversify its economy by developing industries such as renewable energy, agriculture, and technology. The BVI is also investing in infrastructure and improving education and skills training. The BVI is also working to strengthen financial regulation, launching a Medium-Term Development Strategy in February 2025 to improve fiscal policy, capital programs, and sectoral planning across governmental ministries. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: The BVI is an associate member of CARICOM, and encourages investments that will create jobs and increase exports in the region. While the BVI’s goods trade is limited, its strategic role in financial services, tourism, digital innovation, and maritime development supports broader Caribbean revitalization. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, the BVI continued to cooperate with the United States in the administration of the CBERA. 55 Curaçao Indicator 2024 Data Population* 155,900 GDP* $3,281,420,000 (2023) GDP per Capita* $21,061.70 (2023) U.S. Exports** $935,757,226 U.S. Imports** $31,935,945 U.S. Trade Balance** $903,821,281 (2024) Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Curaçao has one of the highest standards of living in the Caribbean and a diversified economy relative to other islands in the region. Tourism, financial services, and oil refining are the main drivers of Curaçao’s economy. In 2024, economic growth was five percent and is projected at four percent by the end of 2025. Curaçao’s Central Bureau of Statistics reported inflation of 2.6% in 2024, and the IMF is projecting inflation of 2.5% by the end of 2025. Curaçao remains vulnerable to economic over reliance on tourism, an aging population and lack of health care investment, and increasing natural disasters. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Curaçao is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands with an independent customs territory. Curaçao is not a member of the WTO. However, Curaçao is an observer and has taken steps, with the support of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, toward WTO accession as a separate customs territory. WTO Members agreed to establish a Working Party for the accession of Curaçao in 2020, but as of 2025, the Working Party has not yet met. Market Access/WTO Rules: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any significant barriers for U.S. goods entering Curaçao. Reverse Preferences: Curaçao is a member of CARICOM. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. Protection of Intellectual Property: Curaçao is subject to the intellectual property laws of the Netherlands, which is subject to the TRIPS Agreement. The “Rijksoctrooiwet” (the Patent Act) of 1995 protects patents for all Dutch Kingdom entities in a central registry in the Netherlands. The “Auteursverordening” (the Authors’ Decree) of 1913 protects authors, including their copyrights, in Curaçao. Additionally, the “Merkenlandsverordening” (the National Ordinance on Trademarks) of 1995 and the Trademark Decree of 1995 protect trademarks in Curaçao and are regulated by the Bureau for Intellectual Property. Curaçao’s Bureau for Intellectual Property provides international and national trademark registration services, patent registration through the Netherlands Patent Center, copyright information, ISBN services, and i-Envelope services. 56 Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of government-owned entities broadcasting copyrighted material belonging to U.S. copyright holders without their consent in Curaçao. Curaçao’s Telecommunications Bureau monitors media to protect U.S. copyright holders and ensures royalties are paid when warranted. Curaçao’s regulator periodically requests copies of contracts, or written permissions, as well as proof of payment for the right to use programs, in local broadcasters’ productions. In cases of uncertainty, the local regulator proactively approaches the U.S. content providers for clarification. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Curaçao’s law provides for workers to form or join independent unions of their own choosing without prior government authorization or excessive requirements. The Constitution of Curaçao and the Ordinance on Collective Labor Agreements allow workers to organize, conduct legal strikes, and engage in collective bargaining. Also, Curaçao laws prohibit anti-union discrimination or retaliation against legal strikers. The government has set a national minimum wage, though lower minimum wages apply to workers under the age of 18. During the reporting period, the government reduced the minimum wage for domestic workers. Workers may work a maximum of 10 hours per day and a maximum average of 45 hours per week over a four-week period. Working hours, including overtime, cannot exceed 60 hours per week. The Safety Ordinance contains OSH regulations. Businesses must report occupational injuries and accidents to relevant authorities. Curaçao criminalizes labor trafficking. Curaçao was upgraded to Tier 2 of the State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report because the government demonstrated overall increasing efforts to meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking compared to the previous reporting period. Curaçao does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. Labor inspectors from Curaçao’s Ministry of Social Development, Labor, and Welfare enforce violations of the Labor Regulation Ordinance on Minimum Wages and the Ordinance on Vacation/Holidays. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The Kingdom of the Netherlands is responsible for safeguarding fundamental human rights and freedoms in its territories, and it maintains laws that prohibit the worst forms of child labor. Curaçao’s minimum legal age for employment is 15 years. National laws and regulations prohibit child labor, differentiating between children younger than 15 years of age and adolescent youths between 15 and 18 years of age. Children 12 years of age or older who have finished elementary school may accept apprenticeships if the work is not physically or mentally taxing, dangerous, or presents health risks. The DOL’s 57 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor did not issue a report on Curaçao covering the reporting period. Transparency in Government Procurement: Curaçao is not a Member of the WTO GPA. Curaçao applies transparent, competitive bidding standards and guidelines that comply with those of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Arbitral Awards: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Curaçao failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where the Government of Curaçao nationalized, expropriated, or seized the property of a U.S. citizen or corporation. Extradition: The 1980 extradition treaty between the United States and the Kingdom of the Netherlands applies to Curaçao, allowing for the formal extradition of individuals between the United States and Curaçao for designated offenses. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: The Kingdom of the Netherlands, and therefore Curaçao, is not a party to the IACAC. However, Curaçao pursues an active anticorruption policy in coordination with the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Curaçao also initiated its ratification process to UNCAC in 2024, which requires Curaçao to implement policies related to the prevention, criminalization, law enforcement, and international cooperation against corruption. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Curaçao is not identified as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA, and as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. However, Curaçao is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is a major money laundering jurisdiction. Curaçao is also considered a major transshipment area for the global drug trade. Curaçao’s police force is a longtime partner with the United States that works closely to diminish the flow of illicit drugs from Venezuela and Colombia to and through the Dutch Caribbean. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Curaçao offered export subsidies or imposed trade- distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: Curaçao is transitioning from an industrial economy primarily driven by oil refining to a more diversified, export-driven industrial structure. Curaçao is focused on investments in biotechnology, information technology, tourism, education, and agriculture and aquaculture. These investments aim to strengthen the country’s energy capacity, modernize e- government, and increase trade. 58 Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Curaçao is an associate member of CARICOM, and is working to become a regional trade hub by streamlining procedures related to trade in goods and services in the Caribbean. Beyond economic integration, the country seeks active participation in functional cooperation, supporting initiatives in renewable energy, agriculture, digital technology, human capital development, natural resilience, and sustainable development, while deepening its cultural ties within the Caribbean. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Curaçao continued to demonstrate its cooperation with the United States in administering the CBERA by modernizing customs and border processes and enhancing private sector engagement. 59 Dominica Indicator 2024 Data Population* 66,205 GDP* $688,880,000 GDP per Capita* $10,405.30 U.S. Exports** $57,192,127 U.S. Imports** $2,264,258 U.S. Trade Balance** $54,927,869 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Dominica is a member of the OECS and the ECCU. Dominica’s economy is primarily driven by tourism. The IMF reported a 4.6 percent real GDP growth in 2024, and projects a decrease to 4.2 percent in 2025 and 3.3 percent in 2026. The IMF reported Dominica’s inflation rate was 1.9 percent in 2024, which is projected to increase to 2.2 percent by the end of 2025 and two percent in 2026. Dominica remains vulnerable to external shocks such as natural disasters, supply chain challenges, and global economic downturns. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Dominica has generally demonstrated a commitment to fulfill its WTO obligations. Dominica ratified the TFA in 2017 and has already implemented several TFA requirements. It also accepted the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in February 2024, and the agreement entered into force on September 15, 2025, after two-thirds of WTO members ratified it. OECS, which includes Dominica, last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2023. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Dominica has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 10.7 percent. Dominica treats foreign and local investors equally with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. Dominica’s general implementation of WTO commitments, along with an extensive legal regime governing international trade, shows a continued commitment to provide equitable and reasonable access for U.S. goods and services in its market. Reverse Preferences: Dominica is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. Dominica is also a member of CARIFORUM, and a party to the CARIFORUM–EU EPA and CARIFORUM-UK EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. 60 Protection of Intellectual Property: Dominica is a party to the TRIPS Agreement. It is also a member of WIPO and has acceded to the WCT and WPPT. It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention, the PCT, the Nice Agreement, and the Berne Convention. Dominica’s Ministry of National Security and Legal Affairs is responsible for the administration of intellectual property laws. The registration of patents, trademarks, and service marks is administered by the Companies and Intellectual Property Office. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where government-owned entities expropriated U.S. intellectual property or broadcasted U.S. copyright materials without the express consent of copyright holders. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Dominica’s law provides for the right of workers to form and join independent unions, bargain collectively, and conduct legal strikes. Strikes in essential services are restricted and may be subject to compulsory arbitration. Its law also prohibits anti-union discrimination. Employers are required to reinstate workers who have filed a complaint of illegal dismissal, pending review of the complaint. Employers generally reinstate or pay compensation to employees who obtain favorable rulings regarding illegal dismissal. Dominica’s law prescribes different minimum wages depending on the category of worker. The law sets the standard workweek at 40 hours and provides for overtime pay for work in excess of the standard workweek. Its law does not specifically prohibit compulsory overtime. Dominica’s Employment Safety Act provides OSH regulations that are consistent with international standards, and workers have the right to remove themselves from unsafe work environments without jeopardizing their employment. The government proactively identifies unsafe conditions, but does not always respond to worker complaints. Dominica’s constitution prohibits most forms of forced or compulsory labor, but its law does not prescribe penalties for forced labor. Its law does not criminalize forced labor except in cases involving international movement. The State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report did not cover Dominica for the reporting period. Enforcement of labor laws is the responsibility of the Division of Labor’s Labor Commissioner. Inspectors have the authority to make unannounced inspections and enforce labor law in the informal economy. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The DOL’s 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor reports that research found no evidence that child labor existed in Dominica during the reporting period. It also reports the government made minimal advancement in its efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The Constitution of the Commonwealth 61 of Dominica prohibits some of the worst forms of child labor, and its law prohibits the employment of children ages five to 16 during the school year. However, its law does allow students younger than the age of 16 to work during school vacations, in school-sponsored employment training programs; and in family-owned businesses and farms without defining the conditions, specific activities, or number of hours permissible for light work. Dominica has not established a sufficient minimum age of 18 for hazardous work, nor does it have national laws or regulations that comprehensively define the types of hazardous work prohibited for children. The government has not enacted laws explicitly prohibiting the use of children in pornography. Transparency in Government Procurement: Dominica is not a signatory of the GPA. However, as a member of the OECS, Dominica continues the general practice of maintaining open and transparent government policies. Dominica’s Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Property Bill 2022 codifies the modernization of public procurement procedures underpinned by principles of integrity, accountability, transparency and fair competition. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of non-competitive bidding procedures in Dominica’s government procurement. Arbitral Awards: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Dominica failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Dominica nationalized, expropriated, or seized the property of a U.S. citizen or corporation. Extradition: The United States and Dominica have signed a bilateral treaty regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens. Both parties are also signatories to an MLAT. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Dominica is party to the IACAC, and is also party to the UNCAC. The Integrity in Public Office Act of 2003 and the Integrity in Public Office Act of 2015 provide criminal penalties for official corruption. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Dominica is not identified as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA and as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. However, Curaçao is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is a major money laundering jurisdiction. The United States continues to support a wide range of efforts designed to address crime and violence affecting citizens of Dominica, primarily through the CBSI. Dominica continues to work with the United States with information-sharing networks, joint interagency operations, and regional training initiatives to promote counternarcotic interoperability. Dominica has also ratified the Inter- American Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, and continues to coordinate with the United States to suppress illicit traffic by sea. 62 Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Dominica offered export subsidies or imposed trade- distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: Dominica enacts economic legislation with the goals of creating jobs, earning foreign exchange, transferring technology, enhancing skills, and contributing to economic growth. The government continues to focus on economic diversification, infrastructure development, and agricultural modernization. Dominica invests heavily in services, specifically eco-tourism, information technologies, and education, and has established incentives for domestic and foreign private investment, such as tax exemptions. Other economic opportunities, such as alternative energy and digitizing trade, are reportedly also being pursued. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: The government encourages policies that will create jobs and increase exports and foreign exchange earnings. Dominica’s trade policies, particularly those within the OECS and CARICOM, seek to contribute to the revitalization of the Caribbean Basin region. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Dominica continued to cooperate with the United States in the administration of the CBERA. 63 Grenada Indicator 2024 Data Population* 117, 207 GDP* $1,391,440,000 GDP per Capita* $11,871.60 U.S. Exports** $159,695,272 U.S. Imports** $14,074,818 U.S. Trade Balance** $ 145,620,454 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Grenada is a member of the OECS and the ECCU. Grenada’s economy is largely driven by tourism, which makes up nearly 53 percent of the country’s GDP; Citizenship- by-Investment programming, public infrastructure projects; and post-hurricane reconstruction activities. The IMF reported a 3.6 percent real GDP growth in 2024, and projects an increase to 3.9 percent by the end of 2025 and 3.3 percent in 2026. The IMF reported Grenada’s inflation rate was 1.4 percent in 2024, which is projected to decrease to 1.3 percent by the end of 2025 and increase to two percent in 2026. Grenada remains vulnerable due to lack of economic diversification, poverty, and natural disasters. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Grenada continues to show a commitment to upholding its WTO obligations. Grenada ratified the WTO TFA in 2015 and has already implemented several TFA requirements. OECS, which includes Grenada, last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2023. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Grenada has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 11 percent. Grenada ensures a transparent trading environment, in addition to general implementation of WTO commitments. The United States–Grenada Bilateral Investment Treaty entered into force in March 1989 and provides American investors national and most-favored-nation treatment, protection against expropriation without prompt compensation, market-access requirements, freedom to remit funds, and access to international arbitration for dispute resolution. The United States is Grenada’s largest trading partner and during the reporting period, Grenada continued to offer fair and open access to its market for U.S. goods and services. Reverse Preferences: Grenada is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. Grenada is also a member of CARIFORUM, and a party to the CARIFORUM-EU EPA and CARIFORUM-UK EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce 64 as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. Protection of Intellectual Property: Grenada is a party to the TRIPS Agreement and is also a member of the WIPO. It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention, the PCT, the Vienna Agreement, and the Berne Convention. The country also has national legislation that governs various forms of intellectual property, including trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and copyright. Grenada’s main intellectual property laws, which include the Trademarks Act, the Patents Act, and the Copyright Act, align with international standards and reportedly safeguard creators, inventors, and brand owners. Grenada’s Corporate Affairs and Intellectual Property Office is responsible for administering intellectual property rights, including registration of trademarks and patents. Enforcement remains a challenge due to limited resources, informal broadcasting, and digital piracy, and broadcasters and creators often must actively monitor and report infringements. The government is reportedly continuing to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks, including regional engagement, to comply with global standards and encourage innovation, creative industries, and foreign investment. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where government-owned entities expropriated U.S. intellectual property or broadcasted U.S. copyright materials without the express consent of copyright holders. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Grenada’s law provides for the right of workers to form and join independent labor unions, participate in collective bargaining, and to conduct legal strikes. Employers are legally required to recognize and negotiate with unions. Grenada’s labor minister can refer disputes in sectors deemed essential services to compulsory arbitration. Its law prohibits anti-union discrimination. The Ministry of Labor or a court may order reinstatement of or compensation to a worker terminated for union activity, if the worker brings the case before them. Employers generally recognize and bargain with unions. Grenada’s minimum wage applies to all workers, including part-time workers and trainees, across all sectors. Grenada’s law provides for a 40-hour standard workweek with eight-hour days, as well as 44-hour workweeks for clerical and shop assistants, 10-hour days for domestic workers, and 12- hour days for shift workers and security guards. The government sets OSH standards that are appropriate for the main industries. Ministry of Labor experts identify unsafe conditions and respond to worker complaints, although challenges exist in monitoring compliance across all sectors, especially in small businesses and informal work. Grenada’s law prohibits all forms of forced or compulsory labor. The Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report did not cover Grenada for the reporting period. 65 The Ministry of Labor is responsible for enforcing labor laws in Grenada. Labor inspectors have the authority to make unannounced inspections and initiate sanctions. However, the number of labor inspectors creates difficulties for Grenada in enforcing compliance with its labor laws. During the reporting period, the government prioritized voluntary compliance by businesses, rather than taking enforcement actions against noncompliance, with mixed results across sectors. Women and low-wage workers, especially in agriculture, construction, and domestic work, are more often exposed to unsafe working conditions than other workers. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The DOL’s 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor found no evidence that child labor existed in Grenada during the reporting period. It also reports the government made moderate advancement in its efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. The minimum employment age is 16, with exceptions allowing for holiday employment for children over the age of 14. However, its law does not determine the activities for which light work may be permitted or limit the number of hours for light work. Transparency in Government Procurement: Grenada is not a signatory to the GPA. Grenada’s government procurement system is governed by the Procurement Act of 2014 and its accompanying regulations, which outline procedures for competitive bidding, evaluation, and award of contracts. These measures require open tendering for major projects, public advertising of procurement opportunities, and clear evaluation criteria to prevent corruption and favoritism. Grenada also benefits from regional efforts to modernize procurement systems, including digital platforms for tenders and contract awards. Despite reported challenges in ensuring full compliance and strengthening institutional capacity, the United States was not aware of any significant cases of non-competitive bidding procedures in Grenada’s government procurement during the reporting period. Arbitral Awards: Grenada has been a member of the ICSID since 1991. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of cases where the Government of Grenada failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where the Government of Grenada nationalized, expropriated, or seized the property of a U.S. citizen or corporation. Extradition: Grenada maintains extradition arrangements through both bilateral and regional treaties, most notably the 1996 extradition treaty with the United States, which allows the surrender of individuals for offenses punishable by at least one year of imprisonment, including crimes like drug trafficking, money laundering, terrorism, and conspiracy. Grenada’s Extradition Act of 1998 is reportedly being updated to align with treaty standards by lowering the threshold for extraditable offenses from five years to one year. Grenada is also a signatory to the Caribbean Arrest Warrant 66 Treaty (2017), which facilitates the arrest and transfer of fugitives among CARICOM states, ensuring stronger regional cooperation in criminal matters. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Grenada is a party to the IACAC, and is also party to the UNCAC. Grenada maintains legislation on corruption such as the Prevention of Corruption Act of 2007 and the Integrity in Public Life Act of 2013, which established the Integrity Commission to oversee asset declarations, promote transparency, and monitor public officials. While Grenada’s legal framework aligns with IACAC principles, the government continues to strengthen enforcement, increase public access to information, and build institutional capacity to further the Convention’s objectives. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Grenada is not identified as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA,95 and as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. However, Grenada is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is vulnerable to exploitation by drug trafficking networks. Grenada is a partner in the EU-funded Seaport Cooperation Project, which supports maritime interdiction operations, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building, including training for the Joint Maritime Control Unit and Maritime Intelligence Unit in Grenada. Grenada also works closely with the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security, particularly through the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit to enhance firearms intelligence, coordination, and enforcement across Caribbean states. Grenada also benefits from U.S. assistance through the CBSI and the Partnership for Prosperity and Security in the Caribbean, which provide law enforcement training, intelligence support, and equipment. Grenada and the United States are parties to maritime cooperation agreements, including a maritime law enforcement treaty and an MLAT. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Grenada offered export subsidies or imposed trade- distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: Grenada has invested in policies to address infrastructure, renewable energy, natural disasters, tourism, and fiscal practices. Policies are shifting towards being heavily focused on reducing foreign debt and diversifying the economy to ensure long-term economic stability and growth. Grenada’s Medium-Term Economic and Fiscal Strategy (2025-2027) outlines a moderately expansionary policy to support growth while maintaining a path toward debt reduction. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Grenada is a member of CARICOM and OECS, and contributes to regional revitalization by promoting economic integration, trade liberalization, and collective development initiatives. The country supports regional infrastructure projects, disaster resilience programs, and joint tourism marketing strategies to enhance the Caribbean’s economic  95 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Pub. L. No. 107-228, § 706, 116 Stat. 1424 (2003). 67 competitiveness. Grenada also collaborates on initiatives to strengthen food security, renewable energy development, and digital transformation, all of which boost regional sustainability and growth. Through partnerships with organizations such as the Caribbean Development Bank and the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Grenada continues to promote regional investment, economic recovery efforts, and climate adaptation strategies that contribute to broader Caribbean revitalization and resilience. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: Grenada continues to show cooperation with the administration of the CBERA. The government facilitates customs administration and reporting processes to meet U.S. requirements and supports efforts to increase competitive access of goods and services and overall bilateral trade relations. 68 Guyana Indicator 2024 Data Population* 831,087 GDP* $24,835,900,000 GDP per Capita* $29,883.60 U.S. Exports** $1,314,600,802 U.S. Imports** $5,375,413,452 U.S. Trade Balance** ($4,060,812,650) Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Guyana is the third-largest economy in CARICOM. Guyana’s GDP grew by 43.6 percent in 2024, making it one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Guyana is a major player in global energy market, and the oil and gas sector continues to be the main driver of Guyana’s economy. The IMF reported a 43.6 percent real GDP growth in 2024, and projects a decrease to 10.3 percent in 2025 and then an increase to 23 percent for 2026. The inflation rate is expected to be 3.6 percent by the end of 2025, and projected to increase to 4.4 percent in 2026. Despite Guyana’s rapid economic expansion, many young professionals continue to emigrate in search of greater opportunities abroad, reflecting persistent gaps in the domestic labor market and social services. The cost of living has also increased significantly since 2015, driven in part by higher housing, food, and transportation costs, which poses challenges for lower- and middle- income households, even amid record national growth. Guyana continues to remain vulnerable to natural disasters and dependence on oil exports. Guyana also remains a challenging place to do business, with U.S. businesses reporting increasing crime, high electricity costs, unclear interpretation of the law or lengthy delays at customs, contentious tax issues, and lack of infrastructure. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Guyana generally demonstrates a commitment to fulfill its WTO obligations on schedule. It ratified the WTO TFA in 2015 and has already implemented several TFA requirements. Guyana last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2022. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Guyana has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 11.7 percent. Guyana treats foreign and local investors equally with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. Guyana’s general implementation of WTO commitments, along with an extensive legal regime governing international trade, shows a continued commitment to provide equitable and reasonable access for U.S. goods and services in its market. 69 However, non-tariff barriers, including high transaction costs, lengthy approval processes and procedural obstacles, and other inefficiencies in the trade-related business environment, continue to pose barriers to accessing and participating in Guyana’s market during the reporting period. Reverse Preferences: Guyana is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. Guyana is also a member of CARIFORUM, and a party to the CARIFORUM- EU EPA and CARIFORUM-UK EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. Protection of Intellectual Property: Guyana is a party to the TRIPS Agreement and is also a member of WIPO. It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention and the Berne Convention. Guyana’s Copyright Act dates to 1956, and its Trademark Act and Patents and Design Act dates to 1992. The Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs has oversight over intellectual property rights in Guyana, including enforcement and compliance. However, the United States remains concerned about adequate enforcement of intellectual property rights in Guyana, specifically with respect to patent and trademark infringements, as well as piracy of music, video, books, and software. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, U.S. media companies continued to raise concerns that local television stations, including the state- owned and operated National Communication Network, rebroadcasts TV satellite signals and unlicensed content online with impunity. Additionally, pirated and counterfeit goods are widely available across the country. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Guyana’s law provides for the right of association and allows workers to form and join trade unions, bargain collectively, and conduct legal strikes. However, the International Labor Organization has criticized Guyana’s laws related to collective bargaining as overly burdensome to workers. Its law prohibits unfair dismissals for workers engaging in union activity but does not require reinstatement of such workers. Guyana’s law provides for a national minimum wage, though it is different for the public and private sectors. The standard workweek is 40 hours, distributed over no more than five days per week. Its law prohibits compulsory overtime, and overtime work must be paid according to rates set by law or according to the relevant collective bargaining agreement. Violations of wage, hour, or overtime laws are commonly reported in the private security, construction, hospitality, restaurant, and mining sectors. There are concerns regarding the OSH standards for Guyana’s main industries, such as oil, construction, agriculture, and mining. Its law provides that only some categories of workers have 70 the right to remove themselves from unsafe work environments without jeopardizing their employment. OSH inspectors actively identify unsafe conditions and recommend procedures for addressing workplace hazards. Forced and compulsory labor is constitutionally prohibited, and Guyanese law prohibits trafficking in persons for purposes of forced labor. Guyana remained on Tier 1 of the Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report for fully meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking and continuing to demonstrate serious and sustained efforts. However, the government does not adequately oversee recruitment agencies or prevent worker-paid recruitment and placement fees, which leaves workers recruited domestically and abroad vulnerable to trafficking, including in forced labor. The Ministry of Labor is responsible for labor law enforcement. Labor inspectors have the authority to make unannounced inspections but not to initiate sanctions. The number of labor inspectors creates difficulties for Guyana in enforcing compliance with its labor laws. Observers within the country note labor laws are unevenly enforced, and trade unions criticize government delays and failures to act on labor law violations perpetrated by private-sector firms, particularly those that are foreign-owned. Penalties for labor law violations are small and applied rarely. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The DOL’s 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor reports Guyana made moderate advancement in its efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Its law prohibits employment of children under the age of 15, with some exceptions for employment in family businesses outside school hours. It also sets the minimum age of 18 for employment that is likely to harm the health, safety, or morals of young persons. Nevertheless, children in Guyana are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. Children also perform dangerous tasks in mining. Guyana does not prohibit night work in industrial activities for children aged 16 and 17 and does not criminalize the use of children for prostitution. Transparency in Government Procurement: Guyana is not party to the GPA. Guyana’s Procurement Act of 2003 establishes the country’s legal frameworks, standards, and procedures for public procurement. The Act establishes the National Procurement and Tender Administration Board, which is responsible for overseeing public procurement. Guyana also established a Public Procurement Commission in 2016 to monitor public procurement procedures undertaken by ministries, public agencies, and bodies to ensure that the procurement of goods, services, and execution of works are conducted in a transparent, competitive, and cost-effective manner. Despite these laws, widespread concerns continue with reports of cronyism and nepotism within procurement processes. Guyana’s Auditor General noted in its 2023 report to parliament that 41 percent of audit recommendations were fully implemented, while 47 percent were partially implemented. 71 Guyana continues to improve transparency in its extractive industries, which include fisheries, forestry, mining, and oil and gas. Guyana is a member of the Extractive Industry Transparency Initiative (EITI) Secretariat, which is the global standard for the good governance of oil, gas, and mineral resources, and generally complies with EITI standards for transparency and good governance. In December 2023, the Guyana EITI launched a new website to improve access to information about the countries extractive sectors, including EITI reports, licenses, contracts, publications and statistics. However, the Guyana EITI validation, scheduled to begin October 1, 2025, is currently delayed, jeopardizing Guyana’s compliance and risking suspension due to a lack of engagement from the Government of Guyana. Arbitral Awards: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Guyana failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: The United States is aware of two outstanding disputes from 2008 and 2014 involving the expropriation of a U.S. company by the Government of Guyana. To date, both disputes are open and continue through legal proceedings. The United States will continue to actively monitor these disputes. Extradition: Guyana is covered under an extradition treaty from 1931 between the United States and the United Kingdom. Since 2019, the U.S. and Guyanese governments have developed a cooperative relationship regarding extraditions and have worked together to facilitate the extraditions of five fugitives between the United States and Guyana. In addition, since 2023, there have been eight voluntary surrenders. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Guyana is a party to the IACAC, and is also party to the UNCAC. Bribery is established as a criminal offense under Guyanese law, and public officials are required to disclose their assets to an Integrity Commission prior to assuming office. On June 16, 2011, Guyana designated the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as its Central Authority, in accordance with the provisions of article XVIII of the IACAC. The main institutions tasked with mandates relevant to preventing and combating corruption include the Guyana Police Force Serious Organized Crime Unit, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Financial Intelligence Unit, and the State Assets Recovery Agency, the latter of which was disbanded by the current government over concerns of its constitutionality. Guyana also has created the Public Procurement Commission to monitor government purchases and ensure that such purchases are consistent with the law. In addition, in 2016, Guyana implemented the Protected Disclosures Bill protecting whistleblowers and the Witness Protection Bill. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Guyana is not identified as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA,96 and as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. However, Guyana is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is as a transit point for cocaine destined for Europe,  96 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Pub. L. No. 107-228, § 706, 116 Stat. 1424 (2003). 72 West Africa, and, to a lesser extent, the United States. Traffickers exploit Guyana's location along the northern coast of South America, its extensive river networks, and dense rainforests. Illegal airstrips and the country’s geographic proximity to major drug-producing countries also make Guyana vulnerable to illicit drug transit. Cocaine is often concealed in legitimate cargo and smuggled through commercial and private air transport, maritime vessels, human couriers, or various postal methods. The Government of Guyana cooperates fully with the United States and has shown strong interest in furthering collaboration under the CBSI. Guyana is a party to and participates in the Inter- American Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters, and is also a member of the OAS Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission. Guyana also has bilateral drug control agreements and legislation in place that aim to enable a more effective response to drug trafficking through enhanced drug enforcement at international airports and post offices, however, it is limited by resource constraints. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Guyana offered export subsidies or imposed trade-distorting export performance or local content requirements Self-Help Measures: Guyana continues to improve its government capacity to encourage sectoral diversification, such as investment in technology and process reforms. The government is prioritizing investments in infrastructure, education, transportation, health care, digital services, agriculture, and energy. Guyana’s sovereign wealth fund, the Natural Resource Fund, is expected to hold $3.2 billion by end of 2025, and the government plans to use revenues to promote its development goals, particularly through infrastructure development. Guyana is also initiating efforts to reduce the cost of electricity by 50 percent. Guyana continues to encourage foreign investment, which is supporting the development of the country’s estimated 11 billion barrels of offshore oil and gas reserves. Guyana’s production reached approximately 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) by the end of 2024, and output is projected to rise to between 1.2 and 1.3 million bpd by 2027, and potentially up to 1.7 million bpd by 2030. Nevertheless, the government continues to identify ways to be less reliant on oil and gas production, as the country’s real non-oil sectors grew by only 13 percent. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Guyana is an active participant in CARICOM, which has its headquarters in Georgetown, and Guyana works closely with the region to strengthen a single market economy and boost regional integration. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Guyana demonstrated cooperation with the administration of the CBERA, and expressed interest in creating value-added industries and diversifying exports beyond its oil exports, and working with the United States to take better advantage of the CBERA. 73 Haiti Indicator 2024 Data Population* 11,772,557 GDP* $25,224,150,000 GDP per Capita* $2,142.60 U.S. Exports** $1,205,197,567 U.S. Imports** $615,559,640 U.S. Trade Balance** $ 589,637,927 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Haiti has not had an elected president since 2021, when President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated, and has had a transitional government since 2024 after the Haitian parliament became defunct. Gangs and insurgents continue to destabilize the country through criminal and terrorist actions that undermine the authority of the Haitian State. As a result, Haiti has experienced a decrease in economic and social investment, resulting in diminishing economic security, deteriorating political stability, and increasing civil unrest. To date, Haiti’s primary economic driver is the textiles and apparel sector. Textile and apparel exports account for around 90 percent of Haitian exports of goods to the United States. These exports mostly enter duty-free under the CBTPA, HOPE and HOPE II, and HELP programs. Unfortunately, Haiti’s economy has continued to be impacted by structural deficiencies, including deep-seated corruption, severely underdeveloped infrastructure, and chronic political instability, which have been exacerbated by escalating gang-driven violence and increasing inflation. Political and economic conditions have also reportedly disincentivized investment and economic engagement from foreign businesses, including those in the United States. U.S. imports from Haiti have decreased significantly since 2022, when imports were nearly $1 billion, to $745 million in 2023 and $588 million in 2024. Furthermore, due to the deteriorating security situation and the expiration of HOPE/HELP’s reauthorization on September 30, 2025, the workforce of Haiti’s garment manufacturing industry has decreased by approximately 65 percent – from roughly 60,000 in 2021 to roughly 20,000 in 2024. The IMF reported a -4.2 percent real GDP growth in 2024, and projects an increase to -1 percent in 2025 and a further increase to one percent forecasted for 2026. The inflation rate is expected to be approximately 27.8 percent by the end of 2025, and projected to decrease to 26.2 percent in 2026. Haiti remains vulnerable to political instability and unrest, as well as inadequate security, resources, and infrastructure. Natural disasters, strikes, and fuel shortages, and prolonged insecurity have disrupted manufacturers’ operations. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Haiti’s implementation of its obligations under the WTO is affected by the country’s institutional capacity constraints related to repeated exposure to natural disasters and political crises. It accepted the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in 74 February 2024, and the agreement entered into force on September 15, 2025, after two-thirds of WTO members ratified it. Haiti last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2015. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Haiti has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 4.9 percent. Haiti treats foreign and local investors equally with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. Haiti has generally afforded the United States market access. However, Haiti is not a party to the WTO TFA, and is currently unable to ratify the TFA because it does not have a functioning parliament. Reverse Preferences: Haiti is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. Protection of Intellectual Property: Haiti is party to the TRIPS Agreement. It is also a member of WIPO. It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention, the PCT, and the Berne Convention. However, due to political instability and limited regulatory investment, Haiti maintains outdated intellectual property laws that date back to the early-to mid- 20th century and protect trademarks, patents, industrial designs, and copyrights. In addition, weakening judicial institutions contribute to poor enforcement of existing laws and their respective protections. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States did not find any cases of government-owned entities broadcasting copyrighted material belonging to U.S. copyright holders without their consent. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Haiti’s law provides for the right of private sector workers to form and join unions of their choice and to strike, with restrictions. Its law allows for collective bargaining, and requires employers to conclude a collective contract with a union if the union requesting a contract represents at least two-thirds of the workers at an enterprise. Its law prohibits firing workers for union activities. Its law sets very low fines for dismissing trade union members and does not explicitly provide reinstatement as a remedy. Continued government instability has created significant difficulty adequately enforcing and respecting freedom of association and collective bargaining in the private sector. Better Work Haiti (BWH) reported that, during the reporting period, there were cases of company retaliation against union members and failure to comply with the terms of collective bargaining agreements in the Codevi Free Zone free trade area. Haiti’s minimum wage varies by industry and job type, and the standard work week is 48 hours per week. In industrial businesses, regular daily hours may be extended to nine hours. 75 Haiti’s law establishes minimum OSH regulations. Its law allows workers to notify the employer of any defect or situation that could endanger worker health or safety and to call the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor or police if the employer fails to correct the situation. In its 28th Biannual Compliance Synthesis Report, the BWH program reported ongoing concerns about compliance with OSH standards by the apparel factories it monitored. Haitian law prohibits all forms of forced or compulsory labor, but the penalties for violations are civil, rather than criminal in nature. There were reports of forced or compulsory labor during the reporting period, specifically instances of forced labor among child domestic workers, or restaveks, a pejorative term for victims of domestic slavery and child trafficking. Citing the ongoing high levels of gang violence and breakdown of civil society, the State Department’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report categorized Haiti as a Special Case for the second consecutive year and therefore did not assign the country a Tier ranking. The Haitian government only partially enforces labor laws, due in part to prevailing insecurity, which hampers on-site inspections. Its labor code provides inspectors with the authority to make unannounced inspections but not to impose sanctions. In practice, inspections in the Port-au-Prince area are conducted virtually, but such inspections are hampered by limited internet access and an inability to accurately assess physical conditions. Labor inspectors also face resource limitations, such as access to vehicles or fuel. While the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor has conducted some inspections across all sectors, the majority of inspections during the reporting period were those facilitated by Better Work Haiti, which focused exclusively on the garment industry. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The DOL’s 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor reports Haiti made minimal advancement in its efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, a concern predating the political and economic crisis. The minimum age for general work is 16. Its law allows children 14 and older to be apprentices, with hours capped at 25 hours per week. Haiti’s law also prohibits anyone younger than 18 from performing work that is likely to be hazardous; interferes with their education; or is harmful to their physical, mental, spiritual, moral, or social health and development, including the use of children in criminal activities. Despite these laws, children in Haiti are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation and forced begging. According to the DOL report, gang recruitment of children increased by 70 percent in 2024, making as many as half of all gang members in Haiti children. These children are vulnerable to forced labor and are often coerced into performing criminal activities. Children are also engaged in child labor in agriculture and domestic work. Haiti does not prohibit all the worst forms of child labor because it does not provide protection for children employed in domestic work. Other gaps exist in Haiti’s legal framework to protect children from the worst forms of child labor, including with respect to the identification of hazardous occupations and illicit activities prohibited for children. Minimum age protections apply only to children with a formal employment contract. Transparency in Government Procurement: Haiti is not a signatory to the GPA. Haiti’s procurement law was passed in 2009 and established the National Commission for Public Procurement as responsible for overseeing procurement activities. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of non-competitive bidding procedures in Haiti’s government procurement. 76 Arbitral Awards: Haiti has been a member of the ICSID since 2005. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Haiti failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where the Government of Haiti nationalized, expropriated, or seized the property of a U.S. citizen or corporation. Extradition: The United States and Haiti signed an extradition treaty that entered into force in 1904. The Government of Haiti has willingly surrendered Haitians and other nationals under indictment in the United States to U.S. law enforcement agencies due to the extradition treaty. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Haiti has been a party to the IACAC, and is also party to the UNCAC. However, significant corruption is prevalent throughout Haiti and remains an ongoing challenge to economic growth. Haiti received a score of 16 out of 100 on Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index for 2024, ranking 168 out of 180 among a global list of countries. Counternarcotics Cooperation: In 2024, the US. Government identified Haiti as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA, and as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. Haiti’s inclusion reflects ongoing challenges with counternarcotics operational capabilities, including lack of resources and technical capacity. The United States continues to monitor Haiti’s counternarcotics and citizen security efforts, and coordinate with Haiti to identify opportunities to address illicit drug trafficking in the country. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Haiti offered export subsidies or imposed trade-distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: Haiti continues to prioritize political, economic, and citizen security and stability. This includes promoting, advocating for, and implementing social and economic reforms that aim at improving trade and investment in the country. Haiti has taken actions to improve revenue collection, and continues to improve fiscal responsibility, such as managing its net international reserves of an estimated $1.6 billion dollars, per the IMF. The Transitional Presidential Council continues to oversee the stability of the country, and to rely on foreign development assistance to mitigate economic and social decline. Haiti has worked with Kenyan- led Multinational Security Support mission to address increasing gang control and violence. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Haiti is a member of CARICOM, which aims to promote regional growth and stability through trade and investment. Haiti has enacted a Law on Free Trade Zones, as well as an Investment Code that provides guarantees and incentives to domestic and foreign private investors. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Haiti continued to cooperate with the United States in the administration of the CBERA. 77 Jamaica Indicator 2024 Data Population* 2,839,175 GDP* $19,930,290,000 GDP per Capita* $7,019.70 U.S. Exports** $2,645,558,140 U.S. Imports** $362,804,612 U.S. Trade Balance** $ 2,282,753,528 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Jamaica is the second-largest economy in the CARICOM region. Jamaica’s economy is primarily driven by services, including tourism, which continue to account for the majority of the country’s GDP. Tourism earnings reached a record $4.3 billion in 2024, while remittances amounted to $3.3 billion. The IMF reported a -0.8 percent real GDP growth in 2024, largely due to the impacts of Hurricane Beryl and tropical storm Raphael. Jamaica is projected to see a real GDP growth increase to 2.1 percent in 2025, with 1.6 percent forecasted for 2026. However, damages from the impact of Hurricane Melissa are projected to equal an estimated 30 percent of Jamaica’s GDP, which could decrease Jamaica’s GDP growth projections for 2026 to as little as 1 percent. The inflation rate is expected to be five percent by the end of 2025, and projected at five percent in 2026. Jamaica’s public debt is reportedly declining, creating fiscal space for the government to make large investments in infrastructure. This investment in construction projects has driven the unemployment rate to a historic low of 3.3 percent. Jamaica’s financial system remains well- capitalized and liquid, and the external account is resilient, supported by an improving current account balance and record net international reserves of over $5 billion. Jamaica remains vulnerable to natural disasters, over reliance on energy imports, and economic externalities like global slowdowns due to global geopolitical conflict. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Jamaica continues to demonstrate its commitment to fulfill its WTO obligations. Jamaica ratified the TFA in 2016. Jamaica last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2024. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Jamaica has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 8.5 percent. The United States accounts for over 40 percent of Jamaica’s total trade. Under the United States– Jamaica Bilateral Investment Treaty, in force since July 1997, American investors benefit from guaranteed national and most-favored-nation treatment, protection against expropriation without prompt compensation, market-access requirements, freedom to remit funds, and access to international arbitration for dispute resolution. Jamaica enforces import restrictions on poultry due to reported detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). These restrictions have 78 remained in place despite World Organization for Animal Health acknowledgement of the United States as HPAI-free after the effective eradication of the virus in 2016 and 2017. In an effort to protect its domestic pork industry, Jamaica also maintains unscientific barriers to U.S. pork while granting market access to like products from other countries. Although a July 2013 risk assessment by Jamaica’s Veterinary Services Division determined U.S. pork poses only a negligible risk to Jamaica’s swine herd and is safe for human consumption, Jamaica has not granted the United States market access for fresh or frozen pork.97 The United States is currently waiting for the completion of a new risk assessment by Jamaica’s Veterinary Services Division. Jamaica also continues to maintain significant and complex import licensing restrictions on many goods, including fish, plants, chemicals, and motor vehicles, among others. Reverse Preferences: Jamaica is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. Jamaica is also a member of CARIFORUM, and party to the CARIFORUM– EU EPA and CARIFOUM-UK EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. Protection of Intellectual Property: Jamaica is a party to the TRIPS Agreement. It is also a member of WIPO and has acceded to the WCT and WPPT. It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention, the PCT, the Madrid Protocol, the Nice Agreement, the Vienna Agreement, and the Berne Convention. It has one of the most updated intellectual property protection regimes in Latin America and the Caribbean. The Jamaica Intellectual Property Office is responsible for supporting and enforcing intellectual property rights for trademarks, patents, designs, and copyright. and since 2022, the Madrid Protocol and the Patent Cooperation Treaty.  Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica ran public messaging campaigns to educate the public about theft of foreign television content and an audit of cable providers found a general improvement in compliance, especially among larger cable providers. The United States was not aware of any cases of government-owned entities broadcasting copyrighted material belonging to U.S. copyright holders without their consent. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Jamaica’s law provides for the right of workers to form or join independent unions and to bargain collectively, including in Special Economic Zones. Its law does not provide for the right to conduct legal strikes, but also does not prohibit strikes. Courts have held that workers on strike are deemed to have repudiated their contracts, opening the door for employers to fire striking workers. However, during the reporting  97 Only Canada and Ireland enjoy market access for pork to Jamaica. 79 period, workers were able to strike without being fired. The law prohibits anti-union discrimination and provides that the Industrial Disputes Tribunal may reinstate workers who have been unjustifiably dismissed. Some labor unions have reported that private-sector workers fear management retaliation against unionization and that there have been difficulties unionizing among workers in Special Economic Zones. Jamaica’s law provides a minimum wage for workers in all sectors. Jamaica has a standard 40- hour workweek, with at least one day of rest per week, paid annual holidays, and overtime compensation for work beyond 40 hours. The Occupational Safety and Health Department maintained and enforced safety and health standards under International Labor Organization guidelines appropriate for Jamaica’s main industries. Jamaica’s law has no provisions that explicitly allow workers to remove themselves from unsafe conditions without jeopardy to employment. Inspectors from the Occupational Safety and Health Department proactively identify unsafe conditions through inspections, conduct accident investigations, and warn violators. Jamaica’s law prohibits all forms of forced or compulsory labor. Jamaica remained on Tier 2 of the Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report because it does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. There are concerns that Jamaica’s government does not always adequately enforce labor laws. During the reporting period, threats of legal action by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security were not always sufficient to achieve employer compliance with labor laws. Labor inspectors have the authority to make unannounced inspections and impose sanctions, but the number of inspectors creates difficulties for Jamaica to enforce compliance with its labor laws. Labor inspections took place only in the formal sector during the reporting period. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The DOL’s 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor reports that Jamaica made a moderate advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Jamaican law defines a minimum working age of 15, although the law permits children between ages 13 and 15 to engage in light work. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security has yet to define light work activities, except for the general guidance that such activities should not disrupt a child’s education or be harmful to their health. Jamaica prohibits forced labor, child trafficking, and commercial sexual exploitation of children. It does not, however, specifically prohibit the use of children in illicit activities, such as the use, procurement, and offering of children for drug trafficking and production. Children in Jamaica are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking, and use in illicit activities. Children also perform dangerous tasks in agriculture and street work. Transparency in Government Procurement: Jamaica is not a signatory to the GPA, but maintains the Public Procurement Act, which establishes public procurement regulations and processes. The 80 Act was most recently updated in March 2025 to better align with international standards. Public procurement in Jamaica is overseen by Jamaica’s Integrity Commission, and is generally conducted through open tenders or direct advertising, or by invitation to registered suppliers. U.S. firms are eligible to bid. Arbitral Awards: ICSID awards are enforceable by Jamaican courts. Jamaican courts enforce property and contractual rights through four statutes, under which the judgments of foreign courts are accepted and enforced in all cases in which there is a reciprocal enforcement of judgment treaty with the relevant foreign nation. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Jamaica failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of a U.S. citizen. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: Property rights are protected under Section 18 of the Jamaican Constitution. Jamaica’s Land Acquisition Act allows for expropriation of land with compensation be paid based on market value. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where the Government of Jamaica nationalized, expropriated, or seized the property of a U.S. citizen or corporation. Extradition: The United States and Jamaica are bilateral parties to both an MLAT and an extradition treaty regarding U.S. citizens, Jamaicans, and third-country nationals. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Jamaica is a party to the IACAC, as well as a party to the UNCAC. Additionally, Jamaica continues to enforce the Integrity Commission Act of 2018, which created a single national anti-corruption agency by combining the Corruption Prevention Commission with the Office of the Contractor General and the Integrity Commission (IC). Jamaica continues to investigate reports of corruption in public procurements, oversee the statutory financial declarations of both civil servants and parliamentarians, and prosecute corruption cases. In seven years, the organization has referred 65 public officials, including 13 Members of Parliament and one Senator, for illicit enrichment probes. The Integrity Commission Act is currently being reviewed by a Joint Select Committee of Parliament to identify amendments to enhance the law. The Financial Action Task Force, a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, removed Jamaica from its grey list in June 2024. The EU also removed Jamaica from its list of high-risk jurisdictions for anti-monetary laundering and counter financing of terrorism in July 2025. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Jamaica generally adheres to its obligations under international counternarcotics agreements and section 489(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. In 2024, the U.S. Government identified Jamaica as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA, and as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. Jamaica is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II – Money Laundering, and is vulnerable to exploitation by drug trafficking networks. Jamaica continues to 81 be a major transit center for cocaine, influenced by increases in Colombian cocaine production, and remains the largest Caribbean producer and exporter of marijuana. Cooperation with Jamaica is designed to increase the capacity of Jamaica’s law enforcement agencies to reduce illicit narcotics trafficking. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Jamaica offered export subsidies or imposed trade- distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: Jamaica continues to engage in the Open Government Partnership process, which aims to improve access to information, civic participation, public accountability, and technology and innovation transparency. Jamaica has prioritized improving the country’s fiscal discipline, managing moderate inflation, and promoting financial stability. Jamaica has also started to increase its excavation of deposits of limestone to improve its food and pharmaceutical sectors. Jamaica also works to mitigate the economic impact of natural disasters and to identify opportunities to diversify its exports, which remain anchored by bauxite, alumina, and refined petroleum products. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Jamaica is a member of CARICOM and a major proponent of regional economic integration, including by committing to the implementation of freedom of movement for CARICOM members’ nationals at the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in July 2025. Jamaica has promoted trade diversification with the goal of increasing total trade within CARICOM, which is currently estimated at around 12 percent of CARICOM’s total trade. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: Jamaica continues to demonstrate cooperation with the United States on the administration of the CBERA. Jamaica has initiated efforts to educate exporters and potential exporters on taking advantage of existing trade preferences and attributed the recent rise in exports to these efforts. 82 Montserrat Indicator 2024 Data Population* 4,420 (2023) GDP* $80,429,630 (2023) GDP per Capita* $18,197 (2023) U.S. Exports** $12,071,251 U.S. Imports** $5,355,402 U.S. Trade Balance** $ 6,715,849 Source: UN Statistics Division*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Montserrat is a British Overseas Territory, and is a member of the OECS. Montserrat’s economy is primarily driven by tourism, government spending, and foreign aid primarily from the UK. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank reported Montserrat had an annual average real GDP growth of approximately 4.9 percent between 2021 and 2024, and projects real GDP growth rate of 3.6 percent by the end of 2025 and 2.9 percent in 2026. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank reported Montserrat’s annual inflation rate was 4.5 percent in 2024. Montserrat remains vulnerable to natural disasters, import dependency, poor infrastructure and transport, and lack of human and financial resources needed to invest in economic diversification. In 2025, the UK announced that Montserrat would no longer receive official development assistance from the UK, to take effect in 2026. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: As a British Overseas Territory, Monserrat is not a member of the WTO. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Montserrat has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 3.7 percent. As a British Overseas Territory, Monserrat’s trade policy is generally aligned with that of the UK. Montserrat does not have bilateral trade agreements with the United States; however, U.S. goods and services are generally accessible in Montserrat’s market. Additionally, Montserrat treats foreign and local investors equally with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of significant barriers to trade for U.S. businesses operating in Monserrat. Reverse Preferences: Montserrat is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. 83 Protection of Intellectual Property: Montserrat is subject to the laws governing the protection of intellectual property of the UK, which is subject to the TRIPS Agreement. The Companies & Intellectual Property Office serves as the independent oversight body responsible for the licensing, supervision, and regulation of intellectual property issues. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any case of the expropriation of U.S. intellectual property or broadcasting U.S. copyright materials without the express consent of copyright holders. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Montserrat’s law provides for the rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining. Its Labor Code allows strikes, but requires a mandatory dispute settlement period and official notice prior to strike action. Its law prohibits anti- union discrimination. After a process of appeals and failing to reach settlement, an unfair dismissal may be referred to the Labor Tribunal. The Labor Tribunal may order reinstatement if a dismissal is found to be unfair. Montserrat does not have a national minimum wage. In 2022, the government opened consultation for a new minimum wage, and in 2025, its Labor Advisory Board provided a recommended wage that remains under review. There is no legislated workweek, but workers generally work a 40-hour workweek. Montserrat’s law establishes appropriate OSH standards. The law provides workers the right to remove themselves from work situations they believe present an imminent or serious danger to life or health. Montserrat’s law prohibits forced labor, the definition of which includes compulsory overtime work, but does not impose stringent penalties. The penalty for forced labor is a fine. The Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report did not rank Montserrat for the reporting period.98 Montserrat’s labor inspectors do not have the authority to conduct unannounced inspections, as they must obtain either the business owner's consent or a search warrant to enter a business for the purposes of performing an inspection. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The DOL’s 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor reports that there is no evidence that child labor exists in Montserrat. The minimum age for employment is 16, and the minimum age for hazardous work is 18. However, the Labor Code allows children as young as age 14 to engage in light work. Montserrat does not have national laws or regulations defining the types of hazardous work prohibited for children, nor does it specify the conditions under which light work may be undertaken or limit the number of  98 Montserrat was covered under the 2025 Trafficking in Persons report narrative for the United Kingdom. 84 hours for light work. Its law does not criminally prohibit the use of children in illicit activities, including in the production and trafficking of drugs. Transparency in Government Procurement: Montserrat is not a signatory of the GPA. It operates under its own Public Procurement Act of 2025 and the Public Procurement Regulations, which sets rules on the process for granting and obtaining government contracts through a standardized and transparent bidding process. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of non-competitive bidding procedures in Monserrat’s government procurement. Arbitral Awards: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Montserrat failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Montserrat nationalized, expropriated, or seized the property of a U.S. citizen or corporation. Extradition: Montserrat is subject to the 2003 Extradition Treaty between the United States and the UK, and is also subject to the UK’s laws. All extradition requests for individuals located in Montserrat must go through diplomatic channels via the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; the Governor of Montserrat, who acts as the UK’s representative in the territory; and local courts in Montserrat, where the subject may contest the extradition under Montserratian law. Additionally, extradition from Montserrat requires dual criminality (the offense must be a crime in both jurisdictions) and is subject to judicial review. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Montserrat’s international obligations derive from those of the UK. Montserrat is not a party to the IACAC; however, the UK (and Montserrat) is a party to the UNCAC and Montserrat pursues an active anticorruption policy in coordination with the UK. Montserrat laws provide criminal penalties for official corruption, including money laundering. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Montserrat is not identified as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA, as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. Montserrat is not mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control nor in Volume II: Money Laundering. However, like other jurisdictions in the Eastern Caribbean, Montserrat is a major target for drug traffickers, who use the area as a gateway to the United States. Montserrat’s authorities work with regional and U.S. law enforcement agencies to mitigate these threats. Trade-Distorting Measures: Montserrat does not provide for export subsidies and does not mandate local content. Montserrat offers general business incentives, such as tax stability and enterprise grants, but does not provide export-specific performance-based subsidies or require local content in production. During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of 85 any cases where the Government of Montserrat offered export subsidies or imposed trade- distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: Montserrat is focused on promoting economic diversification, improving infrastructure, investing in education and skills training, and promoting entrepreneurship. Montserrat has several legislative proposals to establish a special economic zone, which would reduce corporate tax, establish duty exemptions, and provide tax holidays. Montserrat also has development plans to conform with international financial standards, initiate legal reforms, and digitize services. Other development efforts include the investment in financial technology, intellectual property, shipping, and sustainable tourism, as well as work towards attracting new businesses and creating high-paying jobs. Montserrat is also addressing remedies for food security and increasing natural disaster mitigation. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Montserrat is a member of CARICOM, and encourages investments that will create jobs and increase exports in the region. While Montserrat’s trade policies are limited due to its small population and limited production capacity, it works to establish regional trade cooperation and infrastructure development. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Monserrat continued to cooperate with the United States in the administration of the CBERA. 86 Saint Kitts and Nevis Indicator 2024 Data Population* 46,843 GDP* $1,066,680,000 GDP per Capita* $22,771.40 U.S. Exports** $162,143,460 U.S. Imports** $19,477,948 U.S. Trade Balance** $ 142,665,512 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member of the OECS and the ECCU. Saint Kitts and Nevis’ economy is primarily driven by tourism. The IMF reported a 1.5 percent real GDP growth in 2024, which is projected to increase to two percent by the end of 2025, with 2.2 percent forecast for 2026. The inflation rate is expected to be 1.7 percent by the end of 2025, and projected at two percent in 2026. Saint Kitts and Nevis remains vulnerable to low economic diversification, over reliance on tourism, natural disasters, and economic externalities like global slowdowns due to global geopolitical conflict. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Saint Kitts and Nevis has generally demonstrated a commitment to fulfill its WTO obligations on schedule. Saint Kitts and Nevis ratified the TFA in 2016 and has implemented several TFA requirements. OECS, which includes Saint Kitts and Nevis, last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2023. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Saint Kitts and Nevis has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 9.2 percent. Saint Kitts and Nevis treats foreign and local investors equally with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. Saint Kitts and Nevis’ general implementation of WTO commitments, along with an extensive domestic legal regime governing international trade, demonstrates continued commitment to providing equitable and reasonable access for U.S. goods and services to its market. Reverse Preferences: Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. Saint Kitts and Nevis is also a member of CARIFORUM, and party to the CARIFORUM–EU EPA and the CARIFORUM-UK EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. 87 Protection of Intellectual Property: Saint Kitts and Nevis is party to the TRIPS Agreement. It is also a member of WIPO and has acceded to the WCT and WPPT. It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention, the PCT, the Nice Agreement, and the Berne Convention. Saint Kitts and Nevis’ Ministry of Justice, Legal Affairs and Communications is responsible for the administration of intellectual property laws. The registration of patents, trademarks, and service marks is administered by the country’s Intellectual Property Office. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of government-owned entities broadcasting copyrighted material belonging to U.S. copyright holders without their consent. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: The law of Saint Kitts and Nevis provides for the right to form and join independent unions or staff associations, the right to collective bargaining, and the right to strike. Its law only permits police, civil servants, hotels, construction workers, and workers in small businesses to organize staff associations, which do not have bargaining powers. Employers generally recognize a union if a majority of workers vote to organize, although they are not legally obliged to do so. Its law prohibits anti-union discrimination. The law of Saint Kitts and Nevis provides a national minimum wage for all sectors of the economy. The standard workweek ranges between 40 to 44 hours, with the common practice being 40 hours in five days. Saint Kitts and Nevis does not prohibit excessive or compulsory overtime, but policy calls for employers to inform employees if they will be scheduled to work overtime. The law of Saint Kitts and Nevis establishes OSH standards; though they are generally outdated. Workers have the right to remove themselves from situations that endanger health or safety without jeopardy to their employment. The government proactively identifies unsafe working conditions. The constitution of Saint Kitts and Nevis prohibits slavery, servitude, and forced labor. The Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report did not cover Saint Kitts and Nevis for the reporting period. Labor inspectors have the authority to make unannounced inspections and issue penalties or otherwise coordinate with the appropriate government body to initiate sanctions. During the reporting period, the Labor Commission undertook wage inspections and special investigations when it received complaints, in addition to settling disputes concerning OSH conditions. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: Laws in Saint Kitts and Nevis prohibit the worst forms of child labor and set the minimum age for work at 16. Children ages 16 and 17 have the same legal protections from dangerous work conditions as all workers. During the reporting period, there were no reported cases of child labor law violations that resulted in arrests, 88 prosecutions, or penalties. The DOL’s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor did not issue a report on Saint Kitts and Nevis covering the reporting period. Transparency in Government Procurement: Saint Kitts and Nevis is not a signatory of the GPA. Saint Kitts and Nevis enacted the Procurement and Contract Administration Act, which makes provision for the granting of government contracts to be done through a transparent bidding process. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of non- competitive bidding procedures in Saint Kitts and Nevis government procurement. Arbitral Awards: Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member of the ICSID. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Saint Kitts and Nevis failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: The United States is aware of two separate unresolved disputes from 2013 and 2015 involving the expropriation of a U.S. citizen-owned property by the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis. To date, both disputes are open and continue through legal proceedings. The United States will continue to actively monitor these disputes. Extradition: The United States and Saint Kitts and Nevis have signed a bilateral treaty regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens. Both countries are also signatories to an MLAT. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Saint Kitts and Nevis is a party to IACAC, as well as a party to the UNCAC. The country’s Anti-Corruption law provides criminal penalties for official corruption and creates an office of a special prosecutor. Saint Kitts and Nevis also passed an amended Integrity in Public Life Bill in March 2025, which aims to improve good governance and accountability by requiring a code of conduct and declarations of interest for public officials. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Saint Kitts and Nevis is not identified as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA, as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. Saint Kitts and Nevis is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is vulnerable to money laundering and drug trafficking. The United States supports a wide range of efforts designed to address crime and violence affecting citizens of Saint Kitts and Nevis, primarily through the CBSI. The United States continues to have strong operational cooperation with Saint Kitts and Nevis on drug control matters, including providing training and equipment support and maintaining bilateral agreements to suppress illicit traffic by sea. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis offered export subsidies or imposed trade-distorting export performance or local content requirements. 89 Self-Help Measures: Saint Kitts and Nevis continues to promote efforts to create jobs, increase foreign exchange, transfer technology, enhance technical skills, and increase the diversification of the economy. The country identified its 2025 priorities to include animal husbandry, agriculture, fishing, financial services, forestry, information technology, international education, light manufacturing, renewable energy, ship registry, and tourism. Saint Kitts and Nevis also offers a series of investment incentives for businesses that are considering establishing operations in Saint Kitts or Nevis, encouraging both domestic and foreign private investment. Saint Kitts and Nevis remains committed to improving efficiency in trade and investment procedures with the goal of strengthening the country’s economic competitiveness and supporting long-term growth. Further enhancements are expected in the continued digitization of customs procedures and other government services, the streamlining of trade and administrative procedures, and lower operating costs for businesses. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Saint Kitts and Nevis is a member of CARICOM, and continues to encourage policies that will create jobs and increase exports and foreign exchange earnings within the trade bloc. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Saint Kitts and Nevis continued to cooperate with the United States in the administration of the CBERA. 90 Saint Lucia Indicator 2024 Data Population* 179,744 GDP* $2,549,060,000 GDP per Capita* $14,181.60 U.S. Exports** $1,037,307,204 U.S. Imports** $6,942,820 U.S. Trade Balance** $ 1,030,364,384 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Saint Lucia is a member of the OECS and the ECCU. Saint Lucia’s economy is mainly driven by tourism. The IMF reported Saint Lucia’s real GDP growth at 3.7 percent in 2024, projected a decrease to two percent by the end of 2025, and forecast 2.6 percent for 2026. The inflation rate is expected to be 0.7 percent by the end of 2025, and projected at 1.7 percent in 2026. Saint Lucia remains vulnerable to external shocks such as natural disasters, supply chain challenges, and global economic downturns. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Saint Lucia continues to demonstrate its commitment to fulfilling its WTO obligations. Saint Lucia ratified the WTO TFA in 2015 and has implemented several TFA requirements. Saint Lucia also submitted its instruments of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies in October 2023. OECS, which includes Saint Lucia, last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2023. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Saint Lucia has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 9.2 percent. Saint Lucia treats foreign and local investors equally with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. Saint Lucia’s general implementation of WTO commitments, along with an extensive domestic legal regime governing international trade, demonstrates the country’s commitment to provide equitable and reasonable access for U.S. goods and services in its market. Reverse Preferences: Saint Lucia is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. Saint Lucia is a member of CARIFORUM, and party to the CARIFORUM– EU EPA and the CARIFORUM-UK EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. 91 Protection of Intellectual Property: Saint Lucia is party to the TRIPS Agreement. It is also a member of WIPO and has acceded to the WCT and WPPT. It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention, the PCT, the Nice Agreement, the Vienna Agreement, and the Berne Convention. Saint Lucia’s Attorney General is responsible for the administration of intellectual property laws. The registration of patents, trademarks, and service marks is administered by the country’s Registry of Companies and Intellectual Property. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of government-owned entities broadcasting copyrighted material belonging to U.S. copyright holders without their consent. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Saint Lucia’s law provides for workers to form and join independent unions, bargain collectively, and conduct legal strikes. Its law prohibits anti-union discrimination and workers fired for union activity have the right to reinstatement. However, its law places restrictions on the rights of essential services workers to strike and bargain collectively, including by requiring 30 days’ notice prior to a strike. The government generally respects freedom of association and ensures private sector recognition of the right to collective bargaining. Saint Lucia’s law establishes a national minimum wage. The minimum wage is paid in addition to any existing allowances, including gratuity, bonuses, and service charges. A standard workweek is 40 hours per week with a maximum of eight hours per workday, and workers are entitled to overtime pay for hours worked in excess of the standard workweek. The government has set OSH standards that are appropriate. Workers can remove themselves from situations that endanger health or safety without jeopardy to their employment. Saint Lucia’s constitution and laws prohibit forced labor. Saint Lucia was downgraded to the Tier 2 Watch List of the Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report because it did not demonstrate overall increasing efforts to meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking compared to the previous reporting period. The Ministry of Labor is responsible for enforcing labor laws. Labor inspectors have the authority to make unannounced inspections and initiate sanctions, institute proceedings before tribunals, and hold informal inquiries when complaints are brought to their attention. However, the number of labor inspectors creates difficulties for Saint Lucia in enforcing compliance with its labor laws. During the reporting period, the government did not enforce labor laws in the informal economy. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The DOL’s 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor reports that Saint Lucia made a minimal advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. Its law provides for a minimum legal working age of 15 once a child has finished the school year, and the minimum legal age for industrial work is 18. Its law provides special protections for workers younger than age 18 regarding working conditions, 92 and it prohibits hazardous work. However, there are no specific restrictions on working hours for those younger than 18. Children ages 15 to 17 require a parent’s permission to work. Although research is limited, there is evidence that children in Saint Lucia are subjected to the worst forms of child labor, including in commercial sexual exploitation, sometimes as a result of human trafficking. The United States urges Saint Lucia to take all actions necessary to eliminate the worst forms of child labor, and looks forward to working with Saint Lucia to resolve these issues. Transparency in Government Procurement: Saint Lucia is not a signatory of the GPA. Saint Lucia’s Public Procurement and Assets Disposal Bill governs procurement within the public sector and standardizes public procurement processes for goods, services, works, and asset disposal processes. It also covers public-private partnerships. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of non-competitive bidding procedures in Saint Lucia’s government procurement. Arbitral Awards: Saint Lucia is a member of the ICSID. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Saint Lucia failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: The United States is aware of one dispute involving the expropriation of a U.S. citizen-owned property by the Government of Saint Lucia. To date, the dispute remains unresolved and continues through legal proceedings. The United States will continue to actively monitor these disputes. There is one case of expropriation involving an American citizen-owned property. In 1985, the Government of Saint Lucia expropriated, by an act of law, 32 acres of land that had been purchased by an American citizen in Saint Lucia in 1970. The claimant has been unsuccessful to date in seeking redress. The government continues to be largely unresponsive to repeated attempts at resolution. The United States continues to monitor this case, and urges Saint Lucia to take all actions necessary to resolve it. Extradition: The United States and Saint Lucia have signed a bilateral treaty regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens. The countries are also signatories to an MLAT. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Saint Lucia is a party to the IACAC, as well as a party to the UNCAC. Saint Lucia has laws, regulations, and penalties to combat corruption, notably the country’s Integrity in Public Life Act of 2004. Government agencies involved in enforcement of anti-corruption laws include the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Integrity Commission, and the Financial Intelligence Unit. Saint Lucia’s laws require government officials to present their financial assets annually to the Integrity Commission. While authorities do not make public the disclosure reports filed by individuals, the Commission submits a report to parliament each year. However, the 93 Commission lacks the ability to compel compliance with the law, and as a result, compliance is typically low. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Saint Lucia is not identified as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA, as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. Saint Lucia is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is vulnerable to money laundering and drug trafficking. The United States continues to support a wide range of efforts designed to address crime and violence affecting citizens of Saint Lucia, primarily through the CBSI. The United States maintains strong operational cooperation with Saint Lucia on drug control matters. The United States provides training and equipment for these efforts, and maintains bilateral agreements with Saint Lucia to suppress illicit traffic by sea. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Saint Lucia offered export subsidies or imposed trade- distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: Saint Lucia identified its 2025 priorities as including tourism, real estate development, global business outsourcing, and manufacturing. The government also is focused on economic diversification, providing tax and non-tax incentives to encourage investment by businesses that can add value to the country’s economic development. The country continues to work towards improving the efficiency of its trade and investment procedures, and is working to strengthen the country’s economic competitiveness through the digitization of customs procedures and government services; streamlining trade and administrative procedures, including business registration; and lowering operating costs for businesses. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Saint Lucia is a member of CARICOM and OECS, and continues to engage in regional efforts to create jobs and increase trade and foreign exchange earnings. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Saint Lucia continued to cooperate with the United States in the administration of CBERA. 94 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Indicator 2024 Data Population* 100,616 GDP* $1,157,210,000 GDP per Capita* $11,501.20 U.S. Exports** $139,181,881 U.S. Imports** $8,263,880 U.S. Trade Balance** $ 130,918,001 Source: World Bank*; U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the OECS and the ECCU. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ economy is largely driven by tourism, retail, and transportation services. The IMF reported a 4.8 percent real GDP growth in 2024, and projects a decrease to 4.7 percent in 2025 and 2.9 percent in 2026. The IMF reported Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ inflation rate was 3.6 percent in 2024, which is projected to decrease to 2.1 percent by the end of 2025 and two percent in 2026. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains vulnerable to external shocks such as supply chain issues, natural disasters, and global economic downturns. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has generally demonstrated commitment to fulfill its WTO obligations. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ratified the TFA in 2017 and has implemented several TFA requirements. OECS, which includes Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2023. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 10.8 percent. The government treats foreign and local investors equally with respect to the establishment, acquisition, expansion, management, conduct, operation, and sale or other disposition of investments in its territory. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ general implementation of WTO commitments, along with an extensive legal regime governing international trade, demonstrates the country’s commitment to provide equitable and reasonable access for U.S. goods and services in its market. Reverse Preferences: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of CARIFORUM, and party to the CARIFORUM–EU EPA and the CARIFORUM-UK EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. 95 Protection of Intellectual Property: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is party to the TRIPS. It is also a member of WIPO and has acceded to the WCT and WPPT. It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention, the PCT, and the Berne Convention. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Attorney General is responsible for the administration of intellectual property laws. The registration of patents, trademarks, and service marks is administered by the Commerce and Intellectual Property Office. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases of government-owned entities broadcasting copyrighted material belonging to U.S. copyright holders without their consent. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: The law of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines provides for the right of workers to form and join unions of their choice, bargain collectively, and conduct legal strikes. Its law prohibits anti-union discrimination and dismissal for engaging in union activities. Although its law does not require reinstatement of workers fired for union activity, courts can order reinstatement. The law of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines provides for minimum wages for all sectors, varying by sector, category of worker, and type of work. The standard workweek also varies by sector and job type, ranging from 40 to 44 hours per week, and eight hours per day. Its law provides that workers receive time-and-a-half pay for hours worked in excess of the standard workweek, and there is a prohibition against excessive or compulsory overtime. The government sets OSH standards that are generally appropriate for the main industries. OSH experts do not proactively identify unsafe conditions, but the government responds to workers’ OSH complaints. Workers have the right to report and leave unsafe work environments without risking their continued employment. However, the government did report that in some cases where workers exercised this right, employers refused to pay the workers or fired them and refused to reinstate them. In these cases, the Labor Department mediated between employer and employee, and workers were able to seek redress in court. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ constitution and laws prohibit forced labor. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remained on Tier 2 of the Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report because it does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. The Labor Department is responsible for the enforcement of labor laws. Labor inspectors have the authority to conduct unannounced inspections, but do not have the authority to levy sanctions, although they can conduct follow-up inspections to assess if shortfalls had been addressed. Judicial officials have the authority to prosecute violations of labor law and impose fines. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The DOL’s 2024 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor reports that research found no evidence that child labor exists in Saint 96 Vincent and the Grenadines. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ law provides for a minimum working age of 14. However, there are concerns that its laws related to child labor do not meet international standards, as there are inadequate hazardous work protections and a lack of legislation prohibiting the use, procuring, and offering of children in illicit activities, including in the production of drugs. The government also has not determined the types of hazardous work prohibited for all children under the age of 18. Transparency in Government Procurement: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not a signatory to the GPA. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Public Procurement Act 2018 and the Public Procurement Regulations Act 2019 codify requirements and procedures in public procurement. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any significant cases of non- competitive bidding procedures in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ government procurement. Arbitral Awards: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of the ICSID. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Saint Vincent and the Grenadines failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Saint Vincent and the Grenadines nationalized, expropriated, or seized the property of a U.S. citizen or corporation. Extradition: The United States and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines have signed a bilateral treaty regarding the extradition of U.S. citizens. Both countries are also signatories to an MLAT. Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a party to the IACAC. The country’s laws provide criminal penalties for official corruption, and the government generally implements these laws. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Director of Public Prosecutions has the authority to prosecute several corruption- related offenses. Corruption allegations are investigated by the Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Financial Intelligence Unit has the authority to conduct financial investigations with a court order. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is not identified as a major drug transit or major illicit drug producing country under section 706 of the FRAA, as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is vulnerable to money laundering and drug trafficking. The United States continues to coordinate a wide range of efforts designed to address crime and violence affecting citizens of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. This includes providing training and equipment, and maintaining bilateral agreements with Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to suppress illicit traffic by sea. 97 Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offered export subsidies or imposed trade-distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continues to focus on the diversification of the economy to transform development, and continues to encourage FDI. The country’s priorities include increasing renewable energy, tourism, international financial services, agriculture and agro-processing, fisheries, scientific and medical research, light manufacturing, creative industries, health care, and information and communication technologies. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continues to establish transparent policies and laws to foster economic competition and establish clear rules for foreign and domestic investors in the areas of tax, labor, environment, health, and safety. The Government of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains committed to improving efficiency in trade and investment procedures by modernizing digital infrastructure, streamlining customs procedures and other government services, and improving trade and administrative procedures. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is a member of both CARICOM and OECS. The country continues to engage with CARICOM and actively participate in developing policies that will improve regional trade, strengthen investment, and revitalize the Caribbean region. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines continued to cooperate with the United States in the administration of the CBERA. 98 Trinidad and Tobago Indicator 2024 Data Population* 1,368,333 GDP* $26,428,960,000 GDP per Capita* $19,314.70 U.S. Exports** $2,948,254,236 U.S. Imports** $3,369,960,599 U.S. Trade Balance** ($421,706,363) Source: World Bank* U.S. International Trade Commission DataWeb** Economic Review: Trinidad and Tobago is a developed country and continues to be the largest economy in CARICOM due to its energy investment and production. Trinidad and Tobago’s economy experienced modest growth in recent years. The IMF reported a real GDP growth of 1.5 percent in 2023 and one percent in 2024, and projects the economy to expand by one percent in 2025. Inflation declined to just 0.5 percent in 2024; it is projected to rise to 1.5 percent in 2025. Trinidad and Tobago’s sovereign wealth fund, the Heritage and Stabilization Fund (HSF), remains a critical fiscal buffer, holding approximately $6.1 billion in reserves at the end of 2024, equivalent to roughly 7.5 months of import cover. However, the country posted a fiscal deficit of around five percent of GDP in 2024. Commitment to Undertake WTO Obligations: Trinidad and Tobago ratified the TFA on July 27, 2015. The country has implemented several TFA requirements, including the establishment of a Trade Information Portal in May 2022 to enhance transparency and streamline access to regulatory information. The Ministry of Trade will issue a report later in 2025 to document ongoing efforts and future steps to more fully comply with TFA requirements. Trinidad and Tobago last concluded its WTO Trade Policy Review in 2019. Market Access/WTO Rules: The WTO reports Trinidad and Tobago has a simple average MFN applied tariff of 8.2 percent. Trinidad and Tobago grants foreign and domestic investors identical rights in establishing, acquiring, expanding, managing, operating, and divesting investments. Under the United States– Trinidad and Tobago Bilateral Investment Treaty, in force since December 1996, American investors benefit from guaranteed national and most-favored-nation treatment, protection against expropriation without prompt compensation, freedom to remit funds, and access to international arbitration for dispute resolution. However, stakeholders have reported that Trinidad and Tobago continues to be a challenging place to do business outside of the energy sector. U.S. companies cite rising crime, customs delays, and bureaucracy as persistent obstacles. U.S. companies in Trinidad and Tobago also face persistent foreign exchange shortages caused by low interest rates relative to the United States and a fixed 99 exchange rate. Locals operate under capital controls including daily limits on dollar-denominated spending. Reverse Preferences: Trinidad and Tobago is a member of CARICOM and participates in the CSME, which allows duty-free trade of goods among member states. Imports from outside the CARICOM region are subject to a CET. Trinidad and Tobago is also a member of CARIFORUM, and party to the CARIFORUM–EU EPA and the CARIFORUM–UK EPA, which provide quota- and duty-free access to the EU and UK markets, respectively. CARIFORUM members pledged to progressively reduce tariff duty rates on select imports from the EU and the UK over 25 years. The United States and CARICOM have a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement. In April of 2025, Trinidad and Tobago announced a Partial Scope Trade Agreement with the Republic of Chile, which will provide Chile with duty-free access on locally manufactured products, in addition to preferential market access for energy, food products, chemicals and industrial goods. However, during the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any adverse effects on U.S. commerce as a result of preferential treatment afforded to products of a developed country other than the United States. Protection of Intellectual Property: Trinidad and Tobago is party to the TRIPS Agreement. It is also a member of WIPO and has acceded to the WCT and WPPT. It is a signatory to various intellectual property agreements, including the Paris Convention, the PCT, the Madrid Protocol, the Nice Agreement, the Vienna Agreement, and the Berne Convention. The Attorney General is responsible for the administration of intellectual property laws. The registration of patents, trademarks, and service marks is administered by the Intellectual Property Office, in the Attorney General’s Office. Expropriation of Intellectual Property/Broadcast Copyright: Trinidad and Tobago has been on USTR’s Special 301 Watch list every year since 2020 due to the failure to act against unlicensed transmission of U.S. broadcast networks by local cable providers. Additionally, state-owned telecommunications facilities in Trinidad and Tobago profit from this unlicensed use of U.S. over- the-air content through commercial television subscription packages. While Trinidad and Tobago has made some efforts to address this concern, there have been no meaningful enforcement actions. Provision of Internationally Recognized Worker Rights: Trinidad and Tobago’s law provides for the right of workers to form and join independent unions, bargain collectively, and conduct legal strikes. Its law prohibits anti-union discrimination and mandates reinstatement for workers illegally dismissed for union activities. Unions have to demonstrate the support of an absolute majority of workers to be certified as a recognized majority union and engage in bargaining. The International Labor Organization has noted that this requirement limits the right of collective bargaining. Trinidad and Tobago maintains laws that establish a universal minimum wage, a standard workweek of 40 hours, and overtime pay for work in excess of the standard workweek. Its law does not prohibit excessive or compulsory overtime. 100 Trinidad and Tobago’s Employment Safety Act provides OSH regulations that are consistent with international standards. The government proactively identifies unsafe conditions. Workers have the right to remove themselves from unsafe work environments without jeopardizing their employment. Trinidad and Tobago’s constitution and laws prohibit forced or compulsory labor. Trinidad and Tobago remained on Tier 2 of the Department of State’s 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report because it does not fully meet the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making significant efforts to do so. The Ministry of Labor is responsible for enforcing labor laws in Trinidad and Tobago. Labor inspectors have the authority to make unannounced inspections and initiate sanctions. However, the number of labor inspectors creates difficulties for Trinidad and Tobago in enforcing compliance with its labor laws. Commitments to Eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor: The DOL’s Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor did not issue a report on Trinidad and Tobago covering the reporting period. Children aged 14 to 16 are allowed to work in a family business or in vocational or technical training approved by the Minister of Education. The minimum age for working in hazardous activities is 18. Transparency in Government Procurement: Trinidad and Tobago is not a signatory of the GPA. Trinidad and Tobago passed a new Government Procurement Act in 2024 that governs public procurement and aims to increase transparency, efficiency, and fair competition in public procurement. Though progress is being made, and international and domestic investments remain relatively consistent, some stakeholders continue to report difficulties in government procurement, including delays and alleged corruption. Arbitral Awards: Trinidad and Tobago is a member of the ICSID. During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Trinidad and Tobago failed to act in good faith in recognizing arbitral awards in favor of U.S. citizens. U.S. clean energy company NiQuan Energy is awaiting a determination under the ICSID regarding its 2024 expropriation claim against the government of Trinidad and Tobago under the United States—Trinidad and Tobago Bilateral Investment Treaty. The United States continues to monitor the case. Nationalization, Expropriation, or Seizures: During the reporting period, the United States was not aware of any cases where Trinidad and Tobago nationalized, expropriated, or seized the property of a U.S. citizen or corporation. Extradition: The United States and Trinidad and Tobago signed a treaty in 1996 regarding the extradition of citizens accused or convicted of crimes in the other nation. Both countries also signed an MLAT in 1996. 101 Implementation of the Inter-American Convention against Corruption: Trinidad and Tobago is a party to the IACAC, as well as a party to the UNCAC. Additionally, Trinidad and Tobago maintains legislation on corruption, such as the Prevention of Corruption Act of 1987 and the Integrity in Public Life Act of 2000, which criminalizes bribery and mandates annual declarations by public officials to the Integrity Commission. Counternarcotics Cooperation: Trinidad and Tobago has been identified as a major illicit drug transit country under section 706 of the FRAA, as confirmed in the Department of State’s 2025 INCSR. Trinidad and Tobago is mentioned in Volume 1: Drug and Chemical Control and in Volume II: Money Laundering, and is vulnerable to money laundering and drug trafficking. The United States supports a wide range of efforts designed to address crime and violence affecting citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, primarily through the CBSI. The United States continues to cooperate and identify opportunities for operational coordination with Trinidad and Tobago on drug control matters, and maintains bilateral agreements with Trinidad and Tobago to suppress illicit traffic by sea. Trade-Distorting Measures: During the reporting period, the United States was not made aware of any cases where the Government of Trinidad and Tobago offered export subsidies or imposed trade-distorting export performance or local content requirements. Self-Help Measures: Trinidad and Tobago continues to strive for economic sustainability through increased investment in the energy sector and diversification of exports. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago launched its largest-ever deep-water oil and gas bid round in January 2025, offering 26 blocks for exploration, which is expected to sustain energy production and support long-term growth. Natural gas and petrochemicals continue to account for more than 60 percent of GDP. In 2024, non-energy sectors grew by approximately three percent. Trinidad and Tobago has identified revitalizing the energy sector and improving education and technology as top priorities. The government continues to offer incentives for investment in information technology, business support services, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors, particularly in regions outside the capital. Contribution to Regional Revitalization: Trinidad and Tobago is a leading member of CARICOM. Trinidad and Tobago’s industries, such as energy, manufacturing, and services continue to contribute to the economic development of emerging economies in the Caribbean through regional integration. Cooperation in Administration of the CBERA: During the reporting period, Trinidad and Tobago demonstrated cooperation with the United States in the administration of the CBERA through its efforts to modernize customs and border processes, and enhance private sector engagement in its cargo ports. 102 VI. Summary of Public Comments Five organizations, one company, and one foreign government responded to the Trade Policy Staff Committee’s solicitation of comments from the public in connection to the preparation of this report. The notice and solicitation of comments was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 2025 (90 FR 25420). The full text of these submissions is available for review at the Regulations.gov website, under docket number USTR-2025-0014. Relevant comments are summarized below. ACT | The App Association The App Association, which represents thousands of small business innovators and startups in the software development and high-tech industries, urged for the expansion of CBERA and CBTPA performance evaluations to include elements of digital trade. The App Association noted that as the world’s digital economy grows, there is a need to enable cross-border data flows; prohibit data localization policies; prohibit customs duties and digital services taxes on digital content; ensure market entry; preserve strong encryption and protect user security and privacy; secure intellectual property protections; and avoid misapplication of new and emerging technology laws. The App Association noted that the actions above should be recognized by Caribbean countries to support their digital economies, including small businesses and undeserved communities. The App Association concluded by urging the United States to identify and eliminate digital trade barriers through the CBI and bilateral and multilateral agreements to support domestic product growth, job creation, and consumer empowerment. American Apparel & Footwear Association The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA), which represents more than 1,100 apparel and footwear brands, stated CBERA and CBTPA has a direct and critical role in supporting the apparel and footwear industry partnership between the United States and Haiti. The AAFA highlighted that close to 100 percent of apparel by volume was imported into the United States under CBTPA in 2024, and approximately 96 percent of all apparel imports from Haiti entered the United States under one of the CBI preference programs in the same year. These numbers reflect an increase of about $585 million in total U.S. garment imports in 2024. However, the AAFA also noted that CBERA and CBTPA have become less favorable options for the apparel industry in comparison to CAFTA-DR, which provides permanent and reciprocal links and is perceived to have a more flexible rule of origin. The AAFA urged the United States to consider the uncertainty and impacts on the preference programs caused by the fluctuating tariffs and shifting trade environments. The AAFA concluded that the CBI preference programs provide certainty and a way to grow and augment U.S. textile, apparel, and footwear jobs, while also supporting economic growth in the United States and the Caribbean Basin region. 103 CARICOM Private Sector Organization The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO), which serves as a regional, private sector organization and a designated Associate Institution of CARICOM, provided an impact study on the application of CBERA and America First Trade Policy implementation on the Caribbean Basin economies. The submission highlighted CPSO’s support for CBI and the mutual benefits of trade, commerce, and economic interests between the United States and CARICOM. CPSO concluded that U.S. reciprocal tariff policies negatively impact regional exports to the United States, particularly agricultural exports, and CBI trade preferences’ utility for micro and small enterprises. CPSO also provided recommendations on how to mitigate these negative outcomes, including flexible tariff frameworks, and increased investment in economic development within the region. Gildan Activewear Inc. Gildan Activewear Inc. (Gildan), which is one of the largest U.S. consumers of U.S grown cotton and supports more than 38,000 jobs in the United States and the Caribbean, stated its support for the CBI and recognized the supply chain links between U.S. manufacturing and economic development in the Caribbean region. Gildan stated its support for Congress to reauthorize Haiti HOPE/HELP and make Haiti HOPE/HELP and CBERA permanent. Gildan also noted the need to update the Earned Import Allowance Program’s content requirements. Gildan concluded by highlighting their commitment to operations in Haiti, including encouraging investment certainty for the business community. Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy The Commonwealth of Dominica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade, and Energy, which is responsible for maintaining foreign policies and related affairs of the country, provided details on their satisfaction of the CBERA eligibility criteria. The Ministry also detailed Dominica’s cooperation on CBERA administration, national and regional development, and U.S. trade and investment. National Pork Producers Council The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), which represents 42 state producer organizations and more than 60,000 U.S. pork operations, supports the objectives of the CBI and efforts to help Caribbean countries diversify exports, grow their economies, and liberalize their trade regimes. NPPC also supports trade preferences that allow goods from eligible Caribbean countries to enter the U.S. market duty-free if those nations provide equitable and reasonable access to U.S. exports. The NPPC noted that Jamaica restricts the importation of non-hermetically sealed U.S. pork products. This ban has existed for 30 years despite risk assessments determining that imported pork is safe and poses a negligible risk to Jamaican pork production. Additionally, the NPPC 104 highlighted other countries with similar swine herd health conditions, such as Canada, are allowed to export fresh pork to Jamaica, which demonstrates a potential discriminatory trade barrier to U.S. pork exporters. The NPPC encouraged Jamaica to take concrete actions, including to complete its regulatory risk assessment and grant non-discriminatory and fair market access for U.S. pork, in order to maintain its CBI eligibility and beneficiary status. U.S. Meat Export Federation The U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF), which represents U.S. beef, pork, and lamb industries in foreign markets, supports the objectives of the CBI while also recognizing the need for U.S. trading partners to provide equitable and reasonable access to Caribbean markets. The USMEF emphasized the importance of adopting and maintaining science-based international trade rules and practices, noting that Jamaica’s longstanding ban on U.S. pork does not meet these principles. The USMEF further highlighted that Barbados and Dominica retain mitigation requirements for U.S. pork shipments that unnecessarily limit trade and increase costs for U.S. exporters. The USMEF noted Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago as other CBI countries with high tariffs on pork and beef, and urges USTR to consider market access barriers when evaluating countries’ CBI beneficiary status. 110 Appendix I U.S. Imports for Consumption from CBI Beneficiaries by Selected Programs, 2022–2024 and January–July 2024 and 2025; In thousands of dollars and percentages. Country Import Program 2022 2023 2024 2024 January̽July 2025 January̽July Thousand $ % of Total Thousand $ % of Total Thousand $ % of Total Thousand $ % of Total Thousand $ % of Total Antigua and Barbuda CBERA 7 0.1 11 0.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 8 0.1 Otherwise duty-free 7,856 91.0 8,621 73.8 21,764 97.9 16,573 99.3 7,673 89.2 Dutiable imports 773 9.0 3,043 26.1 459 2.1 122 0.7 924 10.7 Total 8,636 100.0 11,675 100.0 22,223 100.0 16,695 100.0 8,605 100.0 Aruba CBERA 35 0.2 64 0.4 11 0.1 3 0.1 1 0.0 Otherwise duty-free 15,366 95.4 13,883 95.4 10,024 94.7 3,856 92.9 2,766 80.5 Dutiable imports 700 4.3 613 4.2 547 5.2 292 7.0 668 19.5 Total 16,101 100.0 14,560 100.0 10,582 100.0 4,151 100.0 3,435 100.0 The Bahamas CBERA 80,363 4.7 58,468 3.2 55,400 3.1 25,778 3.1 19,846 1.7 Otherwise duty-free 532,509 30.9 1,102,056 60.5 1,130,978 63.2 597,401 71.3 734,057 63.7 Dutiable imports 1,107,747 64.4 661,469 36.3 603,935 33.7 214,216 25.6 397,703 34.5 Total 1,720,619 100.0 1,821,993 100.0 1,790,313 100.0 837,394 100.0 1,151,606 100.0 Barbados CBERA 637 1.2 787 1.8 448 0.9 164 0.7 295 1.3 CBTPA 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 0.0 1 0.0 0 0.0 Otherwise duty-free 47,380 92.4 42,482 94.5 45,118 94.8 21,024 95.7 15,409 65.5 Dutiable imports 3,238 6.3 1,705 3.8 2,036 4.3 774 3.5 7,814 33.2 Total 51,254 100.0 44,974 100.0 47,603 100.0 21,963 100.0 23,517 100.0 Belize CBERA 20,975 34.5 14,697 26.5 32,488 40.0 17,317 45.4 1,294 5.9 CBTPA 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 111 GSP 1,661 2.7 12,196 22.0 13,337 16.4 9,457 24.8 1,679 7.7 Otherwise duty-free 37,119 61.0 27,643 9.8 33,030 40.7 10,992 28.8 6,447 29.4 Dutiable imports 1,072 1.8 941 1.7 2,271 2.8 368 1.0 12,520 57.1 Total 60,827 100.0 55,476 100.0 81,126 100.0 38,135 100.0 21,940 100.0 British Virgin Islands Otherwise duty-free 3,761 88.6 19,781 95.2 88,178 99.5 16,358 98.8 10,244 89.8 Dutiable imports 482 11.4 1,003 4.8 422 0.5 198 1.2 1,162 10.2 Total 4,243 100.0 20,784 100.0 88,599 100.0 16,556 100.0 11,406 100.0 Curaçao CBERA 837 1.8 54 0.1 39 0.1 0 0.0 5 0.0 CBTPA 15,380 32.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 9,073 33.4 Otherwise duty-free 26,633 55.9 60,982 87.7 26,513 83.0 13,853 82.1 15,568 57.3 Dutiable imports 4,765 10.0 8,465 12.2 5,384 16.9 3,030 17.9 2,535 9.3 Total 47,615 100.0 69,501 100.0 31,936 100.0 16,883 100.0 27,182 100.0 Dominica CBERA 13 0.8 5 0.2 97 4.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 GSP 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 53 5.3 Otherwise duty-free 1,307 85.7 1,792 81.8 1,912 85.1 484 79.3 758 74.8 Dutiable imports 206 13.5 394 18.0 238 10.6 126 20.7 202 19.9 Total 1,526 100.0 2,191 100.0 2,248 100.0 610 100.0 1,014 100.0 Grenada CBERA 3,975 23.9 3,283 22.0 2,851 20.4 1,885 19.7 1,363 18.1 GSP 8 0.0 0 0.0 3 0.0 3 0.0 0 0.0 Otherwise duty-free 12,001 72.1 10,882 72.9 10,237 73.3 7,147 74.5 3,325 44.1 Dutiable imports 668 4.0 758 5.1 880 6.3 553 5.8 2,850 37.8 Total 16,651 100.0 14,923 100.0 13,970 100.0 9,589 100.0 7,538 100.0 Guyana CBERA 23,127 0.8 21,659 0.6 16,681 0.3 5,663 0.2 597 0.0 CBTPA 508,908 17.9 78,665 2.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 GSP 428 0.0 226 0.0 335 0.0 100 0.0 152 0.0 Otherwise duty-free 307,598 10.8 315,892 9.3 841,006 16.1 449,620 16.0 662,832 26.6 112 Dutiable imports 2,001,951 70.4 2,983,537 87.8 4,361,921 83.6 2,348,926 83.8 1,824,118 73.3 Total 2,842,011 100.0 3,399,980 100.0 5,219,943 100.0 2,804,309 100.0 2,487,700 100.0 Haiti CBERA 15,763 1.5 5,587 0.7 3,741 0.6 1,067 0.3 3,189 1.2 CBTPA 236,168 22.6 187,040 23.6 202,848 32.2 97,283 30.2 89,270 32.5 Haiti Hope 739,101 70.8 558,363 70.5 386,245 61.4 208,116 64.7 117,882 42.9 GSP 930 0.1 234 0.0 31 0.0 19 0.0 11 0.0 Otherwise duty-free 36,984 3.5 34,412 4.3 24,357 3.9 12,723 4.0 10,505 3.8 Dutiable imports 15,283 1.5 6,426 0.8 12,295 2.0 2,504 0.8 53,677 19.6 Total 1,044,230.1 100.0 792,061.3 100.0 629,516.7 100.0 321,711.8 100.0 274,532.9 100.0 Jamaica CBERA 116,141 33.4 141,527 36.4 130,877 36.3 61,199 36.1 60,871 32.5 CBTPA 17,706 5.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 GSP 1,877 0.5 1,793 0.5 1,591 0.4 484 0.3 528 0.3 Otherwise duty-free 191,557 55.0 197,000 50.7 213,909 59.3 95,974 56.6 100,912 53.9 Dutiable imports 20,799 6.0 47,984 12.4 14,580 4.0 11,977 7.1 24,914 13.3 Total 348,079 100.0 388,304 100.0 360,957 100.0 169,635 100.0 187,225 100.0 Montserrat Otherwise duty-free 735 48.1 852 59.1 4,636 90.1 3,496 91.6 237 76.4 Dutiable imports 794 51.9 589 40.9 512 9.9 320 8.4 73 23.6 Total 1,529 100.0 1,441 100.0 5,148 100.0 3,816 100.0 310 100.0 St. Kitts and Nevis CBERA 6,708 21.6 6,269 29.0 4,760 24.5 2,327 20.7 3,006 26.6 Otherwise duty-free 22,192 71.6 13,707 63.5 12,565 64.7 7,911 70.3 5,816 51.5 Dutiable imports 2,112 6.8 1,615 7.5 2,094 10.8 1,020 9.1 2,473 21.9 Total 31,012 100.0 21,590 100.0 19,419 100.0 11,258 100.0 11,295 100.0 St. Lucia CBERA 875 8.0 853 8.8 480 7.0 319 8.9 485 12.9 GSP 32 0.3 23 0.2 34 0.5 27 0.8 0 0.0 Otherwise duty-free 9,621 88.0 8,329 85.8 5,977 87.7 3,029 84.9 2,062 54.8 Dutiable imports 408 3.7 498 5.1 321 4.7 192 5.4 1,215 32.3 113 Total 10,936 100.0 9,702 100.0 6,813 100.0 3,567 100.0 3,762 100.0 St. Vincent & Grenadines CBERA 129 1.5 41 0.8 0 0.0 0 0.0 53 2.8 GSP 0 0.0 14 0.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Otherwise duty-free 8,323 96.5 5,110 96.0 7,999 96.8 4,776 97.5 1,551 82.1 Dutiable imports 172 2.0 158 3.0 264 3.2 123 2.5 284 15.1 Total 8,625 100.0 5,323 100.0 8,264 100.0 4,899 100.0 1,889 100.0 Trinidad & Tobago CBERA 484,265 8.9 240,563 8.0 234,351 7.2 113,829 7.0 111,197 7.6 CBTPA 529,894 9.8 650,170 21.6 806,876 24.8 334,336 20.6 337,601 23.0 Otherwise duty-free 3,803,986 70.1 1,843,923 61.2 1,895,533 58.4 1,065,922 65.8 564,679 38.4 Dutiable imports 608,197 11.2 276,643 9.2 311,151 9.6 105,574 6.5 455,893 31.0 Total 5,426,342 100.0 3,011,299 100.0 3,247,911 100.0 1,619,661 100.0 1,469,370 100.0 Source: USITC DataWeb/Census, Accessed August 11, 2025. Data reflect all official USDOC revisions for 2020-2024 as of this date.