Trade and connectivity in the Caribbean : Reducing Vulnerability Through Import and Logistics Diversification - Policy Note

Overview & Synopsis

This policy note examines how Caribbean countries can diversify their imports—particularly for food—amid heighten external risks. It presents a diagnostic on trade flows, policy, logistics, and connectivity, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, and identifies bottlenecks and recommendations for diversifying imports and logistics. The analysis was undertaken in coordination with the CARICOM expert working group – including the CARICOM Secretariat, CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) – and the IMF, reflecting shared concerns across stakeholders and the need for regionally coordinated solutions. Interviews with private sector and shipping operators also helped shape the policy recommendations.