Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (D-VI) met with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamison Greer during a Ways and Means Committee roundtable session to discuss the Trump Administration’s ongoing trade negotiations and their impact on the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The Congresswoman raised critical concerns about recent changes to de minimis exemptions that are driving up costs for Virgin Islands families and small businesses, as well as charter fee increases affecting the British Virgin Islands.
“I am grateful to Ambassador Greer and his team for their commitment to understanding and addressing the unique challenges facing the Virgin Islands,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “As our nation navigates complex trade negotiations, it is essential that the voices of territorial communities are heard and that our specific needs are considered in policy decisions that directly affect our economy and quality of life.”
The de minimis exemption allows goods valued under $800 to enter the United States duty-free. Recent administrative changes to this policy have created unintended consequences for Virgin Islands residents and businesses that rely on imported goods, resulting in increased costs that strain already tight household budgets and threaten small business viability.
After the roundtable discussion with the Members of Ways and Means, Plaskett and Greer had a more in-depth discussion with a commitment from Ambassador Greer to support fixes to the issues that will support the residents and businesses in the Virgin Islands.
“The Virgin Islands has unique trade circumstances that require thoughtful consideration,” Congresswoman Plaskett continued. “These policy changes may seem minor from a mainland perspective, but they have outsized impacts on island communities where access to affordable goods is already limited. I appreciate Ambassador Greer’s willingness to engage on these issues and work toward solutions that protect Virgin Islanders from unnecessary economic hardship.”
The Congresswoman also discussed broader trade policy matters affecting the Caribbean region, including charter fee structures that impact tourism and maritime commerce between the U.S. Virgin Islands and neighboring territories.
“I look forward to our continued collaboration as we work to ensure that trade policies support rather than burden territorial economies,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “The Virgin Islands deserves a seat at the table when trade decisions that affect our people are being made, and I will continue to advocate for policies that promote economic opportunity and affordability for our community.”
In August, after Ambassador Greer’s discussion with Congresswoman Plaskett during a Ways and Means committee hearing, USTR created an exemption for the Caribbean from the $1 Million fee for Chinese made vessels docking in U.S. Ports.
St. Croix Source
Legislature Corner
