CNMI delegate asks US tariff negotiator to keep the Northern Marianas in mind

By Jayvee Vallejera

As the United States negotiates the Trump administration’s tariff increases with individual countries, CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King-Hinds said these negotiations should also explore ways to help the Northern Mariana Islands and its economy.

In an April 7 letter, King-Hinds asked Jamieson Greer, U.S. trade representative spearheading the negotiations, to explore economic development opportunities for the Northern Mariana Islands.

“I ask that the Office of the United States Trade Representative examine how current and future trade negotiations may incorporate economic development opportunities in the CNMI,” the delegate wrote.

Kimberly King-Hinds

She asked Greer for an opportunity to discuss how foreign investment can help stimulate the CNMI's economic growth and “how we can align this effort with ongoing trade negotiations.”

Trump imposed tariffs on imports from nearly 90 countries on April 2. The first tranche—a 10-percent “baseline’’ tax on imports —took effect last Saturday.

A second tranche of what he calls “reciprocal’’ taxes was announced last week but suspended for 90 days.

Trump said this will give countries time to negotiate with the U.S. 

More than 50 countries have reportedly already reached out to start negotiations with the White House.

King-Hinds pointed out that the CNMI has not recovered from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and efforts to diversify the economy have had limited success.

The CNMI delegate said a stable, self-reliant CNMI will strengthen America's posture in the region and support the U.S. Department of Defense's investments across the Marianas.

“A collapsed American economy in the Pacific does not serve the interests of the United States, our allies, or the broader Indo-Pacific strategy,” she added.

“The president now has a unique opportunity to extend the reach of his economic vision to U.S. territories, driving private investment, fostering real economic growth, and ultimately reducing federal obligations through the creation of a sustainable, locally-driven economy,” King-Hinds said.

She added that stabilizing the local economy will enable the CNMI to reduce its reliance on federal assistance.

King-Hinds said the United States has committed to the economic development of the CNMI through the Covenant, which created the political union between the CNMI and the U.S.

Specifically, King-Hinds said, Section 603(d) of the Covenant directs the federal government to “seek to obtain from foreign countries favorable treatment for exports from the Northern Mariana Islands.”

Another portion, Section 904(a), requires that the U.S. government provide “sympathetic consideration” and opportunities for the CNMI to express views on international matters that directly affect it.

Keeping the CNMI in mind when negotiating those tariffs is consistent with the Covenant, she added.

“As you lead the charge in these negotiations, I urge you to consider the CNMI, the closest American territory to the economic hubs of Asia,” King-Hinds told Greer.

It was not immediately learned if Greer’s office had already responded to King-Hinds’ letter.

Subscribe to

our digital

monthly edition