KINGSTON, Jamaica — European Union (EU) Ambassador to Jamaica, Her Excellency Erja Askola, has reaffirmed that Jamaican exports to the EU will continue to enjoy tariff-free access.

“There are no tariffs and there will be no tariffs on any Jamaican exports entering the EU market. No tariffs now, no tariffs in the future, our agreement will hold,” she said.

She was speaking at a special reception to observe Europe Day and the 50th anniversary of the Jamaica-EU partnership, held at the EU Delegation Office in Kingston on May 9.

Askola said that the EU has promoted trade and economic ties through economic partnerships and stable, predictable and rules-based agreements. “We respect the agreements with pride and commitment,” she added.

Highlighting the trade relationship, Askola noted that in 2024, the EU became the second-largest destination for Jamaican exports, surpassed only by the United States.

“Sixteen per cent of Jamaica’s total exports were shipped to the EU market, a unique and single market of 27 countries and 450 million consumers,” she said.

Askola said that over the past 50 years, the EU’s partnership with Jamaica has supported the country’s transformation in key areas, such as education, justice reform, citizen security, climate resilience, gender equality and more recently, the green and digital transitions.

She pointed out that the EU’s grant funding has helped to deliver tangible results and benefits from roads to schools and police stations, health centres, water systems and community facilities, highlighting the construction of the road between Ocho Rios and Portland, which was financed through EU support.

Additionally, Askola expressed pride in the people-to-people connections fostered by the EU, through initiatives such as the Erasmus + Programme, the EU Visitors Programme and various cultural exchanges.

She said that many Jamaican students, researchers, cultural performers, politicians, academics and civil society leaders have benefited from these programmes.

“And we deeply value Jamaica’s rich cultural heritage story. Its music, its arts, its unique sports spirit. From the global rhythm of reggae to visual arts and world-class athletes, Jamaica keeps inspiring,” Askola added.

— JIS