Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI)

The trade programs known collectively as the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) remain vital elements in U.S. economic relations with our neighbors in Central America and in the Caribbean. The CBI is intended to facilitate the economic development and export diversification of the Caribbean Basin economies.

Initially launched in 1983, through the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), and substantially expanded in 2000 through the U.S.-Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBTPA), the CBI currently provides beneficiary countries with duty-free access to the U.S. market for most goods.

The CBTPA entered into force on October 1, 2000, and continues in effect until September 30, 2020, or the date, if sooner, on which a free trade agreement as described in legislation enters into force between the United States and a CBTPA beneficiary country.

There are currently 17 CBERA beneficiary countries:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Aruba
  • The Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • British Virgin Islands
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Jamaica
  • Montserrat
  • Panama
  • St. Kitts and Nevis
  • St. Lucia
  • St. Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Trinidad and Tobago

Eight of these 18 are also beneficiaries under CBTPA:

  • Barbados
  • Belize
  • Guyana
  • Haiti
  • Jamaica
  • Panama
  • St. Lucia
  • Trinidad and Tobago