The Premier said that the island aims to remain a “trusted ally” with the United States after a meeting with Antoinette Hurtado, the newly appointed US Consul-General.

A government spokeswoman said in a statement that David Burt met Ms Hurtado on March 31 for an introductory visit following the start of her tenure last month, days before the Trump Administration’s announcement of tariffs for the island and countries around the world.

The spokeswoman said: “Discussions encompassed a range of shared priorities, including trade, national security and the strengthening of economic ties.

“Both parties explored avenues to further align and enhance bilateral relations.

“The Shiprider Agreement, signed in early March, was highlighted as a strong example of ongoing co-operation.

“The agreement aims to bolster joint efforts in addressing issues such as illegal immigration, drug smuggling, human trafficking and illegal fishing within and around Bermuda’s territorial waters.”

The spokeswoman said that during the meeting, Mr Burt raised concerns about proposed policy changes that could have “significant implications” for Bermuda, including the impact of new port fees.

Mr Burt told US officials during a recent visit to Washington DC that new shipping fees proposed by the administration would “significantly impact shipping costs, increasing the cost of all goods imported into Bermuda” to an unsustainable level.

Mr Burt has voiced confidence in Bermuda’s ability to withstand fallout from protectionist trade moves by the US.

However, the possibility of heavy fees on fleets with Chinese-made vessels docking in US ports immediately raised red flags last month for Bermuda Container Line, whose Chinese-made container ship, the MV Oleander, would be significantly affected.

The government spokeswoman said that during the meeting with Ms Hurtado, Mr Burt underscored how such measures could increase shipping costs and affect the cost of living for residents.

Mr Burt said: “Our objective is to remain a trusted ally, and we anticipate that US policy decisions will fully consider the depth of our shared interests, the strength of our bilateral ties and Bermuda’s strategic relevance.”

Ms Hurtado thanked Mr Burt for his warm welcome to the island, adding: “We had a fruitful conversation about our areas of shared interest including security, business and trade.

“The United States is Bermuda’s closest neighbour and we have a four-centuries long history and partnership.

“I look forward to working with the Premier and Government of Bermuda officials to continue and strengthen that partnership and to enhance our already close ties.”

Subsequent to the meeting, Bermuda was included on the list of “reciprocal” tariffs unveiled last week, with the island’s being set at 10 per cent.

Mr Burt said in the wake of the announcement: “While the United States’s new tariff regime may not have a significant direct impact, its impact on other jurisdictions and global supply chains will likely increase global prices and the costs of goods that we import.

“The Government will continue to engage directly with the United States on this and other critical issues, such as shipping.

“We will also continue to monitor the economic impact of the US’s new tariff regime as to how it may affect local prices.”

He added: “The Government has acted in the past to protect Bermudians from 40-year-high global inflation and we will do whatever we can to minimise the impact of this change in US trade policy.”