Border Carbon Adjustments: Trinidad and Tobago country report

This country report analyzes the potential impacts of border carbon adjustment (BCA) schemes, specifically the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), on Trinidad and Tobago. Based on research by IISD and the University of the West Indies – St. Augustine campus and stakeholder dialogues, the report identifies risks to export competitiveness and economic activity while suggesting that BCAs could incentivize a transition to cleaner energy if supported by international finance and technology transfer.

• Trinidad and Tobago faces higher risks from border carbon adjustment measures, such as the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), compared to other nations due to lower GHG reduction goals, regulations, capabilities, technology, and access to finance. These measures may increase production costs and reduce the competitiveness of exports in specific sectors.
• Stakeholders identified three primary challenges regarding the implementation of BCAs: short-term negative impacts on exports, economic activity, and employment; the high cost of compliance coupled with limited finance for transforming production methods; and the necessity of accounting for the unique situation of developing countries.
• While BCAs present a potential opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy, this shift requires substantial investments, domestic policy support, and international assistance.
• To ensure effective climate action and equity, the report recommends a phased implementation approach, coordinated efforts between government and industry, and international cooperation on finance and technology transfer, adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.

APA

Jagessar,, P. M. (2024). Border Carbon Adjustments: Trinidad and Tobago country report. International Institute for Sustainable Development. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/border-carbon-adjustments-trinidad-and-tobago

Chicago

Jagessar,, Preeya Mohan,Jaymieon. Border Carbon Adjustments: Trinidad and Tobago country report. International Institute for Sustainable Development, 2024. https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/border-carbon-adjustments-trinidad-and-tobago.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Jagessar, |first1=Preeya Mohan,Jaymieon |title=Border Carbon Adjustments: Trinidad and Tobago country report |publisher=International Institute for Sustainable Development |date=19 July 2024 |url=https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/border-carbon-adjustments-trinidad-and-tobago |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{jagessar2024border, author = {Jagessar,, Preeya Mohan,Jaymieon}, title = {{Border Carbon Adjustments: Trinidad and Tobago country report}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, year = {2024}, month = jul, url = {https://www.iisd.org/publications/report/border-carbon-adjustments-trinidad-and-tobago}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }