Dear Reader,
Welcome to our Caribbean Trade & Development News Digest for the week August 8 -15, 2026!
📌THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS
Belize and El Salvador signed a historic partial scope agreement!
India and SACU have revived trade talks!
US-Canada trade talks are heading towards a major August 19th deadline, although significant differences reportedly remain in negotiating positions.
In case you missed it! Global goods trade remained resilient in the first quarter of 2026 despite war in Middle East, according to World Trade Organisation (WTO). See this report here.
🌴CARIBBEAN TRADE NEWS
Belize and El Salvador Sign Historic Partial Scope Agreement
Government of Belize Press Office: Belize and El Salvador significantly deepened their bilateral ties this week with the signing of a Partial Scope Agreement (PSA) on August 13, 2026, and the inclusion of a Belize Trade Mission to El Salvador, comprised of key private sector representatives, including the Belize Chamber of Commerce, Government officials, and relevant trade stakeholders. Read more
Belize Participates in Regional Dialogue on Connectivity and Trade
Government of Belize Press Office: Belize is strengthening its engagement with Central America as countries across the region work together to improve the movement of goods and people and facilitate trade, building a more connected and competitive region. Read more
Barbados to Host Caribbean Investment Forum 2026 as Region Unveils Bold Vision for Global Investment
CaribExport: The Caribbean today took a significant step towards reshaping its global investment narrative with the official breakfast launch of the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) 2026 at the Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel in Barbados. Convening under the theme “Invest. Read more
JBM and Ghana in Discussion to Revive Bauxite Trade
JIS: A proposed revival of Jamaica’s long-standing bauxite trade with Ghana could generate an initial US$60 million in business. Both countries are working to strengthen economic ties through renewed cooperation in the mining sector. Read more
JMEA President Optimistic South African Deputy Minister’s Visit Will Boost Trade Ties
JIS: Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA) President, Kathryn Silvera, has expressed optimism that the official visit of the Republic of South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Hon. Alvin Botes, will pave the way for closer commercial ties between the two nations. Read more
🌎 GLOBAL TRADE STORIES
Negotiators fear U.S. tariffs will be imposed, as provinces and Washington dig in on demands
CBC: Provinces control booze bans, demand sectoral relief, but U.S. offers not enough. Read more
Canada, U.S. far apart on tariff deal as deadline looms: sources
CBC: Canada and the U.S. remain far apart as negotiations toward a tariff deal continue ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest deadline, according to sources. Read more
City of London members’ slave trade links revealed
BBC: A “leaked” report has revealed that members of the governing body of London’s Square Mile were “instrumental” in England’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Read more
India, Southern African customs bloc revive trade pact talks
Reuters: India and the five-member Southern African Customs Union signed terms of reference on Wednesday to start talks on a preferential trade agreement, as New Delhi seeks lower tariffs on exports including cars, pharmaceuticals and industrial machinery. Read more
Trump administration to impose tariffs on drone imports, White House says
Reuters: President Donald Trump said on Thursday he will impose tariffs on imports of drones and their components, including from some key U.S. allies, with the Trump administration saying the country was “too reliant” on foreign sources of drones. Read more
Brazil opens reciprocity process against US over tariffs
Reuters: The Brazilian government has opened a process that could result in the adoption of reciprocal measures against the United States in response to tariffs recently imposed by Washington on the country’s goods, it said in a Thursday statement. Read more
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Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay
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