The Government of Bermuda welcomes the decision by the United States Government confirming that proposed shipping fees will not apply to short sea routes or small vessels, including the routes and cargo vessels that supply Bermuda.
This outcome means there is not expected to be any impact on Bermuda’s shipping operations or import costs from this new US rule.
Following this announcement, the Premier, the Hon. E David Burt, JP, MP, said, “This is a welcome and important outcome for Bermuda and the region, which is the result of direct engagement with the US and collaboration with CARICOM. It shows that when we raise our collective voices through coordinated diplomacy, they can be heard and acted on.
“The Government is grateful for the work of our public officers, the Government of Bermuda’s Washington, D.C. Office, Government House, our CARICOM partners, and representatives of Bermuda’s shipping industry. We appreciate the responsiveness of the United States Government on this important issue, and we will continue to work with them on matters of shared interest.
“This decision is a positive step as the Government continues its broader work to ease the cost of living for families and the cost of doing business in Bermuda.”