by Curlan Campbell
- Berger and Sissons consistently rank higher in quality benchmarked against foreign brands
- CPSO revealed significant underpricing from extra-regional suppliers
- Caricom recently increased Common External Tariff on paints and varnishes to 35%
The Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) recent decision to increase the Common External Tariff (CET) on paints and varnishes to 35% has been hailed as a landmark move by regional manufacturers, including ANSA Coatings (Grenada) Limited (ACGL).
Jarmarie Hypolite, General Manager of ACGL (formerly Sissons Paints Grenada Limited), described the announcement as a pivotal moment for the regional coatings industry. “I view this as a tremendous win for the regional paint industry, and I am extremely pleased with Caricom’s decision,” he said. “The increase in the Common External Tariff follows extensive research by the Caricom Private Sector Organisation (CPSO), which revealed significant underpricing from extra-regional suppliers. This move is a crucial step toward strengthening domestic manufacturing and ensuring the long-term viability of our regional industries.”
The 35% CET, approved at the 60th regular meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) held 10–11 June in Georgetown, Guyana, will take effect next year, from 1 July 2026.
To protect its CSME industries, Caricom uses a CET to tax imports from outside the region. The CET’s effectiveness varies by product, but it remains a vital tool in promoting domestic production against foreign imports.
Industry leaders say it levels the playing field for regional manufacturers who have long struggled with competition from underpriced imports.
“This CET adjustment helps level the playing field, allowing us to compete more fairly on price while continuing to offer superior quality and value to our customers,” Hypolite explained. “At ANSA Coatings Grenada Ltd, our brands — Berger and Sissons — consistently rank higher in quality in several categories when benchmarked against foreign brands. Our products are specifically designed for the unique environmental conditions of our region and are proudly manufactured in Grenada.”
ACGL, a subsidiary of the ANSA McAL Group of Companies, has made significant strides in recent years to grow its manufacturing base. In 2023, the company added the Berger brand to its local production line and expanded its team from 33 to 50 employees. “This tariff increase supports our continued investment in infrastructure and human resources as we position ourselves to serve not just Grenada, but the entire OECS market,” said Hypolite.
He noted that ACGL played an active role in advocating for the policy change. “Our team collaborated with the CPSO and other manufacturers across the region to provide the necessary data and insights that informed the policy decision,” he said. “Locally, I met with the Minister of Trade and his team to highlight the challenges faced by the industry. I also visited Antigua to engage with local distributors and held discussions with the Antigua and Barbuda Chamber of Commerce and Industry to emphasise the need for regional support and intervention.”
Hypolite believes the CET increase marks a turning point for manufacturers in the Caribbean. “This decision helps to level the playing field in terms of pricing and enhances the competitiveness of regional manufacturers. Unfair pricing practices and recent global supply chain challenges have deeply affected our industry. This bold move by Caricom will strengthen local manufacturing, secure jobs, and encourage continued investment across the region.”
With the paint and coatings industry projected to receive over US$200 million in investments across Caricom, ACGL is positioning itself to capitalise. “In 2023, ACGL invested nearly EC$4 million in expanding our production capabilities,” Hypolite revealed. “This recent policy decision opens the door for us to reassess our growth strategy and plan further investments in equipment, technology, and workforce development to meet increasing regional demand.”
He also emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in driving industrial success. “Cross-country collaboration is not just beneficial — it’s essential,” said Hypolite. “It builds regional industrial capacity, strengthens economic self-reliance, and positions Caricom to compete more effectively on the global stage. The success of this initiative shows what’s possible when small and large producers work together with policymakers toward a shared vision of sustainable industrial growth.”
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