Jamaican Shipping Spared in US Port Fee Decision

The United States has granted an exemption for Caribbean shipping from steep new port fees proposed under a trade initiative targeting Chinese maritime dominance, easing concerns over potential disruption to trade between Jamaica and the US.

The move, confirmed on April 17, came after a region-wide lobbying effort led by the Caribbean Private Sector Organization (CPSO). The CPSO engaged with governments, industry players, and diplomatic channels to argue that the proposed charges—reportedly reaching up to US$1 million per port call—would have severely impacted Caribbean economies reliant on US trade routes.

A major turning point in the advocacy came in March, when more than 700 stakeholders across shipping, logistics, manufacturing, and trade joined a single CPSO-hosted coordination call.

The record participation led to high-level consultations and a formal submission outlining the potential fallout for the region.

One of the most at-risk operators was Seaboard Marine, a major US-owned shipping company with extensive service throughout the Caribbean, including Jamaica.

While its vessels are Chinese-built, the company confirmed they will not be subject to the proposed fees due to its US ownership and its vital role in maintaining uninterrupted trade flows.

The exemption has been hailed by local industry leaders as a significant victory for regional commerce and a model for coordinated private-sector advocacy.

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