During the Bermuda Delegations visit to Washington, DC, this week, the Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, and Minister of Economy and Labour, the Hon. Jason Hayward, JP, MP, met with senior US State Department Officials to discuss ongoing concerns regarding potential port fees to be introduced by the US Government that would have a severely negative impact on Bermuda.
In a critical meeting with Mark Fleming, Director of the Office of Nordic, Baltic, and Arctic Security Affairs in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, the Premier raised the potential impact of the U.S. Trade Representative’s (USTR) proposed action, which could affect shipping vessels built in China, including the MV Oleander Bermuda’s primary supply vessel.
Premier Burt expressed Bermuda’s support for the broader goals of fairer maritime practices but cautioned that, without exemptions or carve-outs, the proposed action would have severe consequences for the island.
The Premier said, “This is not a theoretical concern. It would significantly impact shipping costs, increasing the cost of all goods imported into Bermuda.”
As Bermuda currently sources the vast majority of its goods from the US, the Premier and Minister shared that if the Oleander were impacted, the cost per container could rise by as much as $10,000, which would have a devastating effect on consumers and businesses.
Premier Burt stressed that the issue would impact not only Bermudians but also US citizens living in Bermuda and American suppliers doing business with the island. He reiterated Bermuda’s commitment to its longstanding and valued partnership with the United States and requested that the island be granted special consideration under any final policy.
It should be stressed that Director Fleming acknowledged Bermuda’s concerns and confirmed that discussions with relevant USTR officials are ongoing. He encouraged continued engagement and collaboration with other impacted jurisdictions to raise the issue collectively.
Following the meeting, Premier Burt said, “This was a productive and necessary conversation in the interest of all Bermudians. Direct engagement with U.S. officials allows us to raise Bermuda’s concerns at the highest level and ensure decision-makers understand the real-world impact of proposed policy changes. This matter was discussed in an emergency CARICOM Heads of Government meeting convened virtually last Friday, March 21st, and I know that regional leaders have raised this issue with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in meetings this week.”
The Premier concluded, “The Government looks forward to continued dialogue on this issue and will continue to advocate for Bermuda and work with U.S. officials to avoid sudden and unaffordable increases in food prices and the overall cost of living. While we engage in this dialogue, we are also exploring contingencies should the proposed fee be approved to take effect.”
The Premier Burt and Minister Hayward returned to Bermuda this evening (March 27).