Antigua summit targets trade deals to blunt tariff shocks

Leaders from more than 50 Commonwealth nations began a four-day meeting on the Caribbean island of Antigua on Tuesday. The gathering aims to strengthen economic ties among the group, which represents 2.7 billion people. The summit addresses rising global trade barriers and climate threats.

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey stated that the leaders are focusing on specific issues including conflict, economic shocks, rising costs, and the weaponization of tariffs. She noted that these factors are hitting the pockets of people directly. The group is working to attract investment and reduce barriers to trade within the Commonwealth.

Botchwey explained the strategy for protecting member states from external economic pressures. She said, 'All the countries woke up one day and were slapped with tariffs. If we are trading more among ourselves, whatever happens outside the Commonwealth will not affect countries too much.'

The meeting comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed the highest import duties on trading partners since the Great Depression. Although rates have fluctuated amid legal challenges, the tariffs have prompted Commonwealth nations to seek internal stability. Botchwey described the situation as an opportunity that leaders cannot miss.

Beyond trade, officials plan to establish a fund to help nations transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. The Commonwealth of Nations also seeks to create a fund providing digital skills to about 10 million young adults. Botchwey expressed hope that the private sector, foundations, and philanthropies will contribute to this initiative.

Climate change is a central topic because 49 of the 56 Commonwealth countries share a border with the ocean. Rising sea levels pose a growing threat to these coastal states. Botchwey asked how the group will prepare these nations and ensure their oceans remain healthy.

Richardo Aiken, a civil society governor representing the Caribbean and Americas at the Commonwealth Foundation, said climate justice and freedom of expression will likely dominate the people's forum. He noted that the region has a large population of Indigenous people who must be brought into the conversation. Aiken expects the forum to propose specific initiatives to help civil organizations overcome barriers to accessing financing.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to attend the event. The meeting opened with a ceremony on Tuesday morning and is scheduled to end on Wednesday.