The Regional Matter of US Tariffs

Earlier this month, JMMB International hosted its first-ever thought leadership breakfast with key players in the finance, construction, and business sectors.  We had the privilege of engaging with highly respected economist Dr. Justin Robinson on a topic of pressing regional importance: “Navigating the Impact of Recent US Tariffs on Caribbean Economies: Strategies for Resilience and Growth.”

His presentation sparked thoughtful discussion and raised essential questions that continue to resonate as the geopolitical and economic landscape evolves.

I thought it might be helpful to share some of those questions—and the responses—with the public, who might be interested in these developments.

1. What are some of the ways CARICOM can work together to alleviate the pressure that will be felt from geopolitical trade policy shifts?
As global power dynamics shift and major economies adopt more inward-looking policies, small states like ours face outsized vulnerability. In this context, regional collaboration is not a luxury, it is a necessity. CARICOM’s potential lies not just in shared history or geography, but in collective strategy: shared logistics frameworks, regional sourcing networks, and harmonized policy responses could reduce exposure and build resilience across borders.

2. Will recent U.S. trade policy shifts encourage Caribbean countries to forge new partnerships? Is there untapped value in collective bargaining within CARICOM?
The short answer: yes. As traditional alliances transform, there’s an opportunity to look eastward and southward toward Latin America, Africa, and Asia. If approached as a bloc, CARICOM can enhance its negotiating power and diversify trade flows, reducing dependence while expanding influence. This is a moment not for reaction but for reinvention.

3. How can individuals and entities within the Caribbean, armed with access to global capital markets, take advantage of possible changes in the US debt profile and general market volatility?
Beyond policy, we must also consider financial strategy. Smart investors often see opportunity in market ups and downs. Caribbean institutions and investors with access to global markets can diversify their portfolios, protect against currency risk, and invest in assets not tied to the U.S. dollar. More importantly, they can use these advantages to strengthen local capital markets and improve financial knowledge in the region.

4. Given the region's reliance on correspondent banking relationships, what are some steps we can take to reduce our dependence on the US dollar in this new geopolitical climate?
De-dollarization is a complex undertaking, but steps such as increasing the use of regional currencies in trade, developing digital currency frameworks, and deepening intra-regional financial systems can help reduce exposure. Sovereign digital currencies and blockchain-based payment systems may hold long-term promise in making Caribbean economies more agile and self-reliant.

We may be small states, but we are not without power, especially when we choose to act together.
As we reflect on these questions, one truth becomes clear: regional resilience will be forged not just in policy rooms, but in boardrooms, classrooms, and community spaces across the Caribbean. Collaboration, innovation, and strategic engagement with global markets will be our compass.

I welcome your thoughts on how we as a region—and as individuals—can rise to the moment. 

Let’s keep the conversation going.