Caribbean Turns to Africa for Trade Stability Amid Western Economic Uncertainty

Edited By: Tendai Zola

The Caribbean region is increasingly turning toward Africa to diversify its trade relationships and reduce dependence on traditional Western partners, according to Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Speaking at the opening of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum in Grenada on Monday, Barnett emphasized the need for a decisive pivot amid growing global trade uncertainty. “We must decisively open the door to greater trade between our regions,” she stated, noting that current CARICOM trade with Africa accounts for less than 3% of the bloc’s total trade volume.

This strategic shift comes at a time when long-standing trade partnerships with the United States, Canada, and Europe face growing strain. The U.S., which remains CARICOM’s largest trading partner, has recently imposed a 10% baseline tariff on nearly all its trade partners. Additionally, Washington has used its economic leverage to pressure Caribbean states on policy matters, including citizenship-by-investment schemes and Cuban medical missions.

In 2023, the U.S. imported a quarter of CARICOM’s $38.8 billion in exports, while supplying 39% of the region’s $43.4 billion in imports, according to data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity. However, this dependency exposes the Caribbean to vulnerabilities such as rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and economic coercion.

Barnett highlighted that expanding trade with Africa offers a promising pathway for economic resilience. Many African economies are experiencing rapid growth, increased industrial output, and expanding consumer markets. Furthermore, both regions share common struggles, including advocacy for climate compensation and historical reparation for slavery. “Given the uncertainty that currently looms over trade with traditional partners,” Barnett noted, “deepening AfriCaribbean ties becomes not just a choice, but a necessity.”

The Caribbean’s vulnerability to external shocks—such as pandemics, natural disasters, and global inflation—is compounded by its reliance on tourism and imported goods, particularly food and fuel. Strengthening economic cooperation with Africa could reduce those risks while opening new markets for Caribbean exports and investment.

As global trade becomes increasingly influenced by protectionist policies and geopolitical rivalries, the Caribbean’s move to deepen ties with Africa signals a recalibration of economic strategy—one that aligns with a more multipolar and resilient future.