MEDIA RELEASE
06/06/2026
AMCHAM T&T CEO, Nirad Tewarie, recently had discussions with Luke J. Lindberg, Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), regarding the tariffs being levied on petrochemical exports from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States.
The meeting took place during the Business Future of the Americas (BFA) Conference, held in Quito, Ecuador, from June 4–6, 2026. Organized by AMCHAM Quito Ecuador & the Association of American Chambers of Commerce in Latin America and the Caribbean (AACCLA), and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the conference brought together business leaders, policymakers, and government officials to discuss trade, investment, economic growth, technology, energy transition, and regional competitiveness.
"Representing our members takes many forms. This discussion provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of Trinidad and Tobago's petrochemical exports and the role they play in supporting U.S. agriculture. Trinidad and Tobago has long been a consistent and reliable supplier of key inputs used by American farmers. Since T&T imports none of these products, the issue of reciprocity does not arise. T&T and the U.S. share a very strong and special relationship so, we hope this issue can be addressed in that context," said Tewarie.
He noted that Under Secretary Lindberg was highly knowledgeable on the issue and committed to reviewing the matter, while acknowledging the strategic relationship between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States.
"Our objective is to ensure that decision-makers understand the mutual benefits of this trade relationship. The continued competitiveness of Trinidad and Tobago's petrochemical sector is important not only to our economy but also to the agricultural value chain in the United States. We welcome the opportunity to contribute to those conversations and support efforts aimed at achieving practical solutions," he added.
Tewarie also emphasized that AMCHAM T&T's advocacy complements the ongoing efforts of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and the companies directly affected by the tariffs. The engagement also highlights the value of AMCHAM T&T's membership in AACCLA, which provides access to key business and policy leaders across the Americas and creates opportunities to advance issues important to AMCHAM T&T’s membership.
AMCHAM T&T would like the thank the AACCLA network and the Ecuadorian American Chamber of Commerce of Quito (AMCHAM Quito Ecuador), led by Executive President, Felipe Espinosa, for hosting a successful event that fostered regional dialogue and collaboration among business leaders throughout the hemisphere.
AMCHAM T&T remains committed to advocating for policies and partnerships that strengthen trade, investment, and economic competitiveness while ensuring that the interests of its members are represented at both the national and international levels.
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For further questions or comments please contact: Nirad Tewarie, CEO AMCHAM T&T at niradtewarie@amchamtt.com.