Key Guyanese Exports Exempt from U.S. Tariff Hike

-VP Jagdeo

April 3 2025 – Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo has confirmed that three of Guyana’s largest exports to the United States will be exempt from the recently imposed 38% reciprocal tariffs.

The announcement, made on Thursday, provides reassurance to key sectors of the country’s economy.

According to Jagdeo, petroleum crude, gold, and aluminum—some of Guyana’s top exports—will not be affected by the tariff hike outlined in an Executive Order issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Vice President highlighted that in 2024, crude oil exports to the U.S. reached $3.1 billion, while aluminum and gold exports stood at $36.9 million and $16.6 million, respectively.

He stated that these are Guyana’s biggest exports to the U.S., and the exemption is a positive development for the country’s economy and trade relations.

Other major exports to the U.S. include fish ($19 million), molasses, sugar, and honey ($8.7 million), alcoholic beverages ($6.5 million), measuring and checking instruments ($5 million), and additional fish exports worth $3.1 million.

The Vice President noted that Guyana’s largest export, crude oil, is produced by U.S. energy giants ExxonMobil and Hess Corporation. Given the potential impact of the new tariffs on other exports, the government has expressed its intention to engage with U.S. officials to discuss the way forward.