WILLEMSTAD – The MAN-PIN movement is making an urgent call to the government, demanding immediate action to protect Curaçao’s purchasing power in response to rising import tariffs imposed—or threatened—by the United States. The situation has already triggered global reactions from Canada, Mexico, the European Union, and Brazil.
This economic war has direct negative effects on household expenses. Increased costs in the U.S. and other parts of the world will inevitably lead to higher prices in Curaçao as well. Critical sectors—such as fuel blending (ORYX), asphalt production (Global Oil Management Group), and food imports—are all dependent on trade relations with the U.S., Venezuela, and the Netherlands and will be severely affected. Most importantly, 95% of essential goods and food items in Curaçao are imported, meaning prices will inevitably rise.
MAN-PIN refuses to wait until it is too late and is calling on the government to act immediately to prevent an economic and social crisis caused by drastic price increases. While the government is not to blame for global economic developments, failing to act would endanger Curaçao’s well-being. The risks include higher costs for food, water, electricity, job losses, and increasing poverty.
Proposed Urgent Measures
To prevent an economic collapse, MAN-PIN is urging the government to take the following immediate steps:
Introduce a Discount Card for Basic Food Items
Provide supermarket discounts on healthy food for low-income families whose earnings fall below the cost of living.
Food prices have already seen significant increases in recent weeks, making immediate action necessary.
Subsidize Local Livestock Farmers, Fishermen, and Agricultural Producers
Boost local food production to make it more affordable and reduce reliance on imports.
Specific subsidies should include:
Livestock Farmers: Funding for animal protection (chips, enclosures), lower slaughterhouse fees, and removal of import duties and sales tax (OB) on animal feed.
Agricultural Producers: Further reductions in irrigation water tariffs, subsidies for electricity or renewable energy investments, seeds, and farming equipment.
Fishermen: Fuel subsidies to keep fish prices affordable for the local population.
Financial Support for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
Help businesses cover rising costs related to imports, electricity, water, and operating expenses.
Protect jobs by preventing business closures or layoffs in sectors such as supermarkets, retail stores, auto dealerships, fuel importers, and other affected industries.
Seek Alternative Trade Partners Outside the U.S.
Urgently consult with business representatives to explore alternative food and essential goods suppliers beyond the United States.
Revise Sales Tax (OB) to Reduce Price Increases
Eliminate OB tax at multiple stages of the supply chain, ensuring that only OB at the point of entry remains in place.
Maintain this system until the transition to ABB or VAT (as suggested in the Landspakket) is implemented.
MAN-PIN insists that the time to act is now. The government must take decisive steps before the economic crisis spirals out of control, ensuring that Curaçao’s population remains protected against rising living costs and financial instability.
