RUSHTON PARAY

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump’s return to the White House has sent shock waves through global trade. Within his first month, he has imposed aggressive tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, China, and the European Union, pressured trading partners to renegotiate deals, and reinforced his "America First" agenda.

Mexico has deployed military forces at its border to avoid fresh trade penalties. Canada and the EU are preparing retaliatory tariffs, while US manufacturers and farmers struggle with rising costs. Major corporations such as Diageo and Mattel are restructuring supply chains to adjust to these uncertainties.

For TT, this moment presents both risks and opportunities. While other nations face trade conflicts, we have a chance to position ourselves as a key partner to the US – aligning with US interests while securing long-term economic growth. However, this requires immediate, strategic government action.

Strategic advantages in a US partnership

Foreign policy must be guided by national interest, not relationships. We must clearly define what is valuable to the Trump administration and ensure TT is indispensable to US economic and foreign policy goals.

1. Geographic location: A gateway to the Americas

TT is positioned as a regional logistics hub for goods moving between the US, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

If the US invests in our ports, free zones, and logistics infrastructure, we can help American firms lower costs while securing our role in their supply chains.

We should negotiate:

* A bilateral trade agreement making TT the preferred hub for US-Caribbean exports.

* Tax incentives for US logistics firms to establish operations in TT.

* Infrastructure investment agreements to expand our port facilities.

Our location provides a strategic advantage that aligns with US efforts to diversify supply chains. Strengthening these trade links will create economic growth and job opportunities in TT.

2. Energy security: Strengthening US industrial supply chains

TT is a critical LNG supplier, providing petrochemicals essential for US manufacturing and agriculture.

We must negotiate long-term purchase agreements that ensure American buyers prioritise TT energy.

Key negotiations:

* Joint ventures between TT’s energy sector and US firms.

* A US-TT energy security agreement to ensure continued investment.

* Direct US investment in downstream energy projects.

Energy stability is a priority for the US economy. Securing agreements that lock in TT as a reliable energy supplier will ensure mutual economic benefits.

3. TT as Washington’s key regional partner

As Caricom’s most industrialised nation, TT should reassert its leadership. The US needs reliable Caribbean allies to counterbalance China and Venezuela ­– we must step up.

Key steps:

* Establish a US-TT economic partnership where we act as a regional co-ordinator for US interests.

* Secure increased US development funding for Caribbean infrastructure projects.

* Ensure TT plays a central role in US-Caribbe