CARICOM to suspend CET to allow cheaper ice imports to Jamaica

Industry, Investment and Commerce Minister, Aubyn Hill, says CARICOM has agreed to suspend the 30 per cent Common External Tariff (CET) to allow Jamaica to import ice at an affordable price.

Hill provided the update at Wednesday's post-Cabinet press brifing at Jamaica House, noting that applications for the duty relief will be administered through his ministry.

Jamaica's main ice manufacturer, Pure National Limited, started importing ice after a fire destroyed its factory in November last year.

Since then, customers have seen ice prices increase by between $100 and $200 per bag.

Suspension of the CET is expected to last six months. The Government has also provided general consumption tax relief in relation to the imported ice.

The Common External Tariff is applied to goods imported from outside of the CARICOM region.

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