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A rules-based international trading system has long been a foundation of global commerce, providing stability, fostering investment, and ensuring fair competition. Though imperfect, it has helped to underpin economic growth worldwide, benefiting major economic powers particularly, but with some benefits to smaller states as well.
One of its key advantages has been predictability – a crucial factor in business planning, trade expansion, and dispute resolution. This system, particularly through the World Trade Organization (WTO), has historically provided a negotiated framework for resolving disputes rather than resorting to unilateral action that could lead to retaliation, economic instability, and geopolitical friction.
The United States International Trade Commission (USITC) is now reviewing the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA) – a trade program that has been a cornerstone of U.S.-Caribbean relations since its enactment in 1984. Given the economic ties between the U.S. and the Caribbean, and the region’s strategic importance, this review comes at a pivotal moment for shaping future trade relations.
A Strong and Reliable Trade Partnership
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Despite global trade deficits, the U.S. consistently enjoys a trade surplus with Caribbean nations. In 2023, the U.S. trade surplus in goods with the 14 independent CARICOM nations collectively was $7.4 billion; in 2024, it stood at $5.8 billion. The Caribbean has proven to be a loyal and valuable market for U.S. goods.
The recent reduction in the overall U.S. surplus with CARICOM is largely due to its essential importation of oil and gas from Guyana. In 2024, Guyana’s trade surplus with the U.S. rose to $4 billion from $1.9 billion in 2023—a reflection of the U.S.’s need for secure and reliable energy sources.
The Risks of Disrupting a Stable Economic Relationship
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Any weakening of CBERA’s trade benefits would not only harm Caribbean economies but would also negatively impact the U.S. itself. A decline in economic activity in the region would lead to: reduced demand for U.S. goods and services, affecting revenues for American businesses; increased economic instability, raising the risk of irregular migration to the U.S; and a greater foothold for drug trafficking and organized crime, which directly threatens U.S. security.
A Modernized Approach: Expanding CBERA to Include Services
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The Caribbean economy has evolved significantly over the past few decades – services now account for more than 75% of employment and 66% of total output. The U.S. is already a dominant provider of services in finance, healthcare, technology, education, and tourism-related industries.
However, CBERA currently does not include trade in services – a gap that, if addressed, would benefit both U.S. businesses and Caribbean economies. In 2024 alone, U.S. exports of services increased by $81.2 billion to $1,107.8 billion, highlighting the strength and growth of this sector. Including services under CBERA would allow U.S. firms to expand their market share in the Caribbean, particularly in financial services, digital industries, and tourism.
The Unresolved WTO Dispute: A Test for Rules-Based Trade
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During my testimony before the USITC, I raised the case of Antigua and Barbuda’s longstanding WTO dispute with the U.S. Despite strictly adhering to WTO rules since 1995, Antigua and Barbuda has yet to see a resolution to the 2004 WTO ruling, which awarded the country compensation for losses in trade in services. As Ambassador to the WTO at the time, I led the case.
The WTO authorized a compensation mechanism allowing Antigua to sell U.S. intellectual property rights without paying the fees until the U.S. settled the matter. However, Antigua and Barbuda has refrained from doing so, choosing instead to pursue a good-faith settlement, not least because a criterion for benefiting from CBERA is the non-exploitation of U.S. intellectual property.
A Clear Opportunity for U.S. Policymakers
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The U.S. and the Caribbean have long shared a close economic and strategic relationship. At a time of shifting global trade dynamics, CBERA is not just about economic policy; it is about reinforcing U.S. leadership, strengthening regional security, and maintaining economic stability with a group of its closest neighbours.
The choice before U.S. policymakers is clear: continue to strengthen trade ties with a region that is already closely linked to U.S. economic and security interests, or risk losing influence to external actors seeking greater engagement with the Caribbean. CARICOM nations do not see trade relations as a choice between one partner or another. The region has remained faithful to its trading partners, particularly the U.S., from which it purchases nearly 70% of its imports, including food and essential goods.
Conclusion
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The case for expanding CBERA is strong. The economic data and strategic considerations point to a clear conclusion: continue the terms of trade in goods under CBERA; expand CBERA to include trade in services, aligning with the changed Caribbean economy and opening new opportunities for U.S. businesses; and reinforce the U.S.-Caribbean partnership, ensuring economic growth, regional stability, and security for both sides.
FAQs
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Q: What is the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA)?
A: CBERA is a trade program that has been a cornerstone of U.S.-Caribbean relations since its enactment in 1984.
Q: Why is CBERA important to the U.S.?
A: CBERA is important to the U.S. because it helps to maintain a strong and stable economic relationship with the Caribbean, promoting economic growth, regional stability, and security.
Q: What are the benefits of expanding CBERA to include services?
A: Expanding CBERA to include services would allow U.S. firms to expand their market share in the Caribbean, particularly in financial services, digital industries, and tourism, while also providing greater access to the U.S. market for Caribbean nations.
Q: What is the significance of the unresolved WTO dispute between Antigua and Barbuda and the U.S.?
A: The unresolved WTO dispute between Antigua and Barbuda and the U.S. is a test for rules-based trade and a challenge to the U.S.’s global trade leadership.
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