Government Statement On New USA Tariffs
The 10% tariff listed for Bermuda by the Trump administration “is not expected to have any significant direct impact on Bermuda, as the island exports very few goods” the government said today, however they added that while the USA’s new tariff regime “may not have a significant direct impact, its impact on other jurisdictions and global supply chains will likely increase global prices and the costs of goods that we import.”
A spokesperson said, “The Government of Bermuda is aware of the recent announcement by the United States that it will impose a global minimum 10% import tariff on items imported into the United States.
“The public is advised that the tariff listed for Bermuda, which is the minimum 10%, is not expected to have any significant direct impact on Bermuda, as the island exports very few goods to the United States in a manner that would be affected by tariffs.”
Premier David Burt said, “Bermuda and the United States remain strong partners, which was reaffirmed during my recent visit to Washington, D.C. Following my return to Bermuda, I also met with the new US Consul General Antoinette Hurtado.
“While the United States’ new tariff regime may not have a significant direct impact, its impact on other jurisdictions and global supply chains will likely increase global prices and the costs of goods that we import.
“The government will continue to engage directly with the United States on this and other critical issues, such as shipping. We will also continue to monitor the economic impact of the US’s new tariff regime as to how it may affect local prices.
“The Government has acted in the past to protect Bermudians from 40-year high global inflation, and we will do whatever we can to minimise the impact of this change in US trade policy.”
The White House provided a full list of the country tariffs, the graphic that includes Bermuda is below
So why was the shipping company coming out saying if this goes through they would have to terminate shipping with USA then what would we do I fell like did government is just lying and trying to keep us calm when we really know what’s going on stuff is not adding up???
Of course — here’s the updated version with that context added:
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This is actually a separate issue — it’s not about tariffs, but a proposed $1 million fee specifically for Chinese-built ships docking at U.S. ports. In BCL’s case, only one of their three ships is Chinese-built, so only that vessel would be directly affected by this policy.
While BCL has raised the possibility of ending U.S. service, that sounds more like a worst-case scenario than a likely outcome. The reality is, BCL has had a monopoly on shipping between Bermuda and the U.S. for many years, and they are not in any sort of financial hardship. They’re a well-established company with options — like rotating in non-Chinese-built ships, chartering alternative vessels, or exploring potential exemptions or waivers.
So while the fee could introduce some added cost and complexity, it’s far from a death sentence. It’s reasonable for them to express concern early on, but there’s every reason to believe a practical solution will be found — one that allows shipping to continue as normal.
Hello ! can you the government be honest for once ! Goodness you highlight the 10% tariff on exports from Bermuda . Why highlight that when it is the imports into the country that matter .. I’m sick of this BS
This is just normal deflection from the real issue as usual .
I know of one business in Hamilton that will close its doors in 6 months after their stock runs out because of the effect of the new tariffs .
Don’t trust King Trump.. DO NOT!!
Ah yes, I’m sure Burt will be able to offset the rising cost of importation of goods to Bermuda LOL
What will be done? How? How much will it cost / add to our ballooning public debt? When will remedial measures come in to play?
These are all questions our government does not have answers to and despite all their election grandstanding about “bringing down the cost of living” yada-yada, life in Bermuda is about to get a whole lot more expensive for everyone.
Shame we all can’t give ourselves pay raises like the MPs in times like these!
There is no “rising cost of importation of goods to Bermuda”.
The reported retail inflation rate in Bermuda is less than that of the U.S., the U.K. and Canada. See https://bernews.com/2025/04/november-consumer-price-index-inflation-1-1/
If it were not for our being hit with a 10% tariff, we could make money exporting goods to the U.S.!
Whoop-dee-doo! Our local inflation rate is lower. OK, so what?
That doesn’t change the fact that the US levying global tariffs will likely raise the material cost of transporting goods into the US from elsewhere either through retaliatory tariffs from other countries or altered global supply route changes.
Not sure what planet you live on but believe it or not, the US imports a lot of goods which will be more expensive in the US, which we then import to Bermuda. I.E higher costs for Bermuda.
But then again, if you’re convinced Bermuda should be exporting goods to the US when we have and produce no natural resources or commodities (tariffs or none), I’m not sure your brain thinks in the plane of reality.
Hell, we don’t even grow loads of onions anymore!
Dear Mr. Apathy,
My suggestion that Bermuda export goods was very much tongue-in-cheek. Given that the majority of our goods are imported from the U.S., U.K., or Canada, it is economically impossible for our retail price inflation rate to be lower than the retail price inflation rate in those countries (as reported by our Government).
Also, the cost of fuel in shipping goods to and from Bermuda would render the whole concept economically unviable.
As for goods trans-shipped through the United States, provided they are kept in bonded warehouses, the U.S. levy on “imported” goods will not apply.
People STILL can’t fathom your sarcasm (tongue in cheek) maybe you should start inserting a sarcasm icon.
Yes he is quoting factual news( which was and still is totally Nonfactual) from the PLP for several years now regarding the inflation rate so is totally sarcastic in his defense.
Government spin on a ‘win’. We only win because we produce, and export almost nothing, which is not a healthy position.
Unless of course you are the PLP it seems.
The Tariffs are not permanent. There’s a lot of fear mongering going around from people who don’t have a clue.
Vanuatu 44% tariff on the USA! What is the story there? Are palms being greased in government with that money?
Vanuatu-United States Trade: In 2023, Vanuatu exported $6.49M to United States. The main products that Vanuatu exported to United States were Perfume Plants ($4.72M), Molluscs ($748k), and Other Inedible Animal Products ($372k). Over the past 5 years the exports of Vanuatu to United States have decreased at an annualized rate of 2.44%, from $7.34M in 2018 to $6.49M in 2023. In 2023, Vanuatu did not export any services to United States.
United States-Vanuatu Trade: In 2023, United States exported $8.36M to Vanuatu. The main products that United States exported to Vanuatu were Insulated Wire ($3M), Other Iron Products ($1.46M), and Computers ($1.44M). Over the past 5 years the exports of United States to Vanuatu have increased at an annualized rate of 6.75%, from $6.03M in 2018 to $8.36M in 2023. In 2023, United States did not export any services to Vanuatu.