President Trump’s executive order aimed at revitalizing the U.S. shipbuilding industry, which initially grandfathered American-owned carriers like Tropical Shipping relying on Chinese-built vessels, has been amended to prevent additional costs for Caribbean-based companies. The United States Trade Representative (USTR) had proposed surcharges that would have added approximately $3,000 to the cost of each 40-foot container for Tropical Shipping customers, but these measures will no longer be implemented.
Tropical Shipping President and CEO Tim Martin credited the company’s victory to strong Caribbean advocacy efforts. “This is a huge victory for us and the entire Caribbean region that we serve,” Martin stated. “Our voices were heard. We could not have accomplished this without the relentless advocacy from our Caribbean representatives in Washington, D.C., our customers, and the many organizations that wrote letters to the USTR describing the devastating multiplier effect these port fees would have had on all of us.”
Martin also revealed that a USTR committee member expressed surprise at the massive response from Caribbean leaders and businesses. “One of Tropical’s core values is, ‘Responsiveness is our driving force.’ Caribbean communities were our driving force on this issue, and I can’t thank you enough. I want to give a special thanks to our dedicated employees, our customers, and the numerous influential figures who supported us, including Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, Governor Albert Bryan of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Teri Helenese of the Federal Relations Office of the Virgin Islands, President Mohamed Irfaan Ali of Guyana, Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados and Chair of CARICOM, Dr. Patrick Antoine of the CARICOM Private Sector Organization, Wazim Mowla of the Atlantic Council, the Caribbean Shipping Association, Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association, Caribbean Ambassador to the U.S., Caribbean Tourism Organization, and Florida Congressional Representatives.”
Looking ahead, Martin expressed his commitment to continue advocating in Washington, D.C., to develop long-term strategies for restoring U.S. shipbuilding capabilities and preparing American carriers like Tropical for future challenges.
Headquartered in Riviera Beach, Florida, Tropical Shipping has been serving the Caribbean market since 1963. The company offers a wide range of transportation services, including refrigerated, dry, Full-Container-Load (FCL), Less-than-Container-Load (LCL), small package, consolidation, inland transportation, and global logistics. For more information, visit Tropical.com.
