Foreign Affairs Minister EP Chet Greene is urging citizens to brace for economic uncertainty as global trade disruptions threaten to impact small island economies like Antigua and Barbuda.

Speaking on Pointe FM at the weekend, Greene advised families to adopt a cautious approach to spending and prioritise saving, warning that the global economy is entering a volatile period with potential consequences for livelihoods at home.

“We are not in perilous times ahead—we are in them now,” Greene said. “This is not about creating panic. It’s about being realistic and making sure Antiguans and Barbudans are prepared.”

The minister was responding to the recent announcement of sweeping tariffs imposed by the United States on goods imported from countries including China—tariffs that he said could eventually affect the cost of living in Antigua and Barbuda, especially if supply chains are disrupted and prices increase.

“If the U.S. economy slows down, Americans will travel less, and tourism—our economic lifeline—will suffer,” Greene explained. “At the same time, if imports of food, medicine, or materials become more expensive, it will hit household budgets.”

Greene called on citizens to be financially prudent, suggesting that discretionary spending should be carefully considered in the months ahead.

“Spend responsibly. Save where you can. Until we see where this is going, it’s wise to be cautious,” he advised.

He also underscored the importance of local resilience, pointing to ongoing efforts to expand agriculture and develop alternative trade partnerships outside the U.S. market. However, he noted that such changes take time and that Antiguans must be prepared in the interim.

“We’ve relied heavily on a comfortable status quo for too long,” Greene said. “Now, that comfort has been disrupted. The way forward must be smarter, more self-reliant, and financially disciplined.”

As regional governments monitor developments in U.S. trade policy, Greene said Antigua and Barbuda is actively engaging with other countries, including Brazil and partners within CARICOM, to secure new sources of goods and support economic stability.

Despite the uncertainty, Greene struck a note of reassurance: “We’ve weathered storms before. With preparation and prudence, we’ll weather this one too.”