The government has rolled out a broad Christmas relief package aimed at easing cost-of-living pressures during the holiday season, offering reduced sales tax, duty-free festive foods and the reinstatement of the annual Christmas Barrel Initiative.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Cabinet approved the measures to help households stretch their budgets amid rising global import costs and higher seasonal spending. The package includes a three-day reduction of the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST), dropping from 17 percent to 7 percent on December 19, 20 and 21. Merchant described the weekend discount as a boost for both consumers and retail activity.
The Cabinet also reinstated the popular Christmas Barrel Initiative, which allows families to import personal goods at a significantly reduced cost. The initiative will run from December 1 to January 15, with households paying only a US$10 processing fee plus 10 percent Revenue Recovery Charge on qualifying items.
In another relief measure, the government has waived all duties and taxes—including customs duties, import duties and ABST—on hams, turkeys and whole chickens imported between November 25 and December 25. Merchant said the waiver is intended to lower the price of traditional holiday foods and support low- and middle-income families preparing for the season.
“These measures will help families, particularly low and middle income households, stretch their budgets further during the holidays,” Merchant said during the post-Cabinet briefing.
The relief package forms part of a broader government effort to manage inflation and reduce food costs, following recent zero-rating of several essential food imports under the Common External Tariff. Merchant said Treasury officials have also advised that government salaries for December will be paid ahead of the ABST reduction days to align with shopping demand.
Cabinet expects the combined measures to stimulate consumer spending, support local businesses and ease financial pressures during one of the busiest periods of the year.
