The Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda has approved the recommendation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs to implement the decision of the Sixtieth (60th) Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), allowing for the suspension of the Common External Tariff (CET) on a list of essential food items.
The decision, effective from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, authorizes the application of a zero (0%) rate of duty on a range of imported staples that form part of the national food basket.
Among the items approved for zero-rated import duties are:♦ Butter (salted and unsalted)♦ Potatoes♦ Cabbages, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli♦ Dry peas and beans (split peas, chickpeas, black-eye peas, lentils, and pigeon peas)♦ Fresh fruits including apples, oranges, limes, and kiwis♦ Cereals and oats♦ Cooking oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, corn oil, and other vegetable oils♦ Canned meats and fish (corned beef, sardines, and mackerel)♦ Baby foods and preparations for infant use
This measure, endorsed by CARICOM Member States, seeks to cushion the effects of escalating food prices on consumers—particularly the most vulnerable and low-income households—and to stabilize the domestic economy.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs, Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, said the government’s continued efforts to suspend taxes and duties on essential goods aim to ensure the availability of affordable and nutritious food options.
“This is a decisive step to ease the cost of living for our people,” Minister Greene stated. “By applying a zero rate of duty on essential food imports, the government is ensuring that price relief reaches households directly, while strengthening our food and nutrition resilience.”
The Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with regional and international partners to monitor market trends and implement further measures to support consumers and stabilize the economy.
