Bryan Responds to Federal Tariffs, Highlights VI’s Trade Advantages and Inflation Concerns

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. responded Thursday to President Donald Trump’s newly imposed federal tariffs, acknowledging the potential financial strain the measure could place on Virgin Islands families while emphasizing the territory’s unique opportunity to attract manufacturing investment and stimulate economic growth. Speaking in light of the 10 percent baseline tariff announced by the White House earlier this week, Governor Bryan warned that while the policy may boost domestic production, it also carries the risk of inflation and rising consumer prices for communities like the U.S. Virgin Islands, which heavily rely on imported goods. “The administration’s push to strengthen domestic manufacturing is a direction I fundamentally agree with,” Governor Bryan said. “But it must be pursued in ways that do not place additional financial pressure on communities like ours. That’s why I’m especially concerned about how these tariffs could add to the inflationary pressures already confronting...