US tariffs take effect August 7 — most Caribbean nations hit with 10%

A sweeping set of U.S. tariffs on imported goods from over 90 countries is set to take effect on August 7, with most Caribbean nations facing a flat 10% rate. However, Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana have been hit with a steeper 15% tariff under the new trade directive issued by President Donald Trump.

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The tariffs mean companies importing foreign goods into the United States will be required to pay new taxes to the government. Experts warn these costs are likely to be passed on to American consumers through higher prices at the register.

While most Caribbean countries fall under the 10% bracket, the updated tariff schedule outlines a wide range of rates globally: Brazil is set at 10%, India at 25%, Switzerland at 39%, Syria at 41%, and Laos and Myanmar face one of the highest rates—40%. Canada’s 35% rate took effect earlier on August 1, though exemptions under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) cover many goods.

Some countries are receiving temporary exemptions or delays. Tariffs on goods from China won’t begin until August 12, pending the outcome of ongoing trade talks. Mexico, initially set to face a hike to 35%, has been granted a 90-day grace period during which current rates will remain in place.

The administration says the tariffs are aimed at protecting American manufacturing and rebalancing trade relationships, but critics argue they could trigger retaliation and drive up costs during a period of global economic uncertainty.