Concerns about the impact of shipping fees on the island’s economy were raised by the Premier during a meeting with US officials this week, the Government said.

David Burt told state department officials in Washington that the issue would impact residents, including US citizens in Bermuda as well as American supply businesses on the island.

Accompanied by Jason Hayward, the Minister of Economy and Labour, Mr Burt told the US officials that the potential port fees to be introduced by the Donald Trump Administration would have a severely negative impact on Bermuda.

During a meeting with Mark Fleming, the director of the Office of Northern European, Baltic and Arctic Security Affairs in the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Mr Burt raised the potential impact of the US Trade Representative’s proposed action, which could affect shipping vessels built in China, including the MV Oleander, Bermuda’s primary supply vessel.

While he expressed Bermuda’s support for the broader goals of fairer maritime practices, he cautioned that without exemptions or carve-outs, the proposed move would have severe consequences for the island.

Mr Burt said: “This is not a theoretical concern. It would significantly impact shipping costs, increasing the cost of all goods imported into Bermuda.”

Mr Burt and Mr Hayward said that if the Oleander were to be affected, the cost per container could rise by as much as $10,000, a move that would hurt consumers and businesses.

He reiterated the island’s commitment to its longstanding and valued partnership with the US and requested that Bermuda be granted special consideration under any final policy.

A government spokeswoman said Mr Fleming acknowledged Bermuda’s concerns and confirmed that discussions with relevant USTR officials are continuing.

He also encouraged continued engagement and collaboration with other impacted jurisdictions to raise the issue collectively.

The Premier said the engagement was productive and necessary in the interest of Bermudians.

He said: “Direct engagement with US officials allows us to raise Bermuda’s concerns at the highest level and ensure decision-makers understand the real-world impact of proposed policy changes.”

He said the issue was discussed in an emergency Caricom heads of government meeting on March 21, and added that regional leaders raised the issue with US secretary of state Marco Rubio during his visit to the Caribbean this week.

Mr Burt said: “The Government looks forward to continued dialogue on this issue and will continue to advocate for Bermuda and work with US officials to avoid sudden and unaffordable increases in food prices and the overall cost of living.

“While we engage in this dialogue, we are also exploring contingencies should the proposed fee be approved to take effect.”