NASSAU, BAHAMAS- Local auto dealers say they do not foresee any immediate fallout from global trade tensions on their sector, but after strong sales in recent years, concerns are emerging over market saturation and slowing consumer demand.
Ben Albury, President of the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association (BMDA), said: “After speaking with some of the other stakeholders, we don’t anticipate any immediate impact from what’s happening right now. It seems that, at least for the time being, we should be relatively okay.”
Albury added: “What we’re more concerned about is market saturation here at home. We’ve had a strong run recently where a lot of people bought or financed new vehicles. Naturally, those buyers aren’t likely to be back in the market to replace their cars anytime soon. So, we’re keeping an eye on that, and we’re also watching the U.S. economy closely. If there’s a slowdown over there, we usually have a bit of a cushion before it affects us locally. We’re also paying attention to U.S. policy decisions and how other markets are responding to them. It’s really about staying alert and being aware of any potential ripple effects that could impact us down the line.”
The Trump administration’s imposition of 25 percent tariffs on much of the United States’ auto and auto parts trade is raising alarms across the global automotive industry. Government officials and industry analysts warn that the move could severely disrupt international supply chains, increase production costs, and reshape global trade dynamics.
What remains uncertain is how America’s key trading partners will respond—whether through retaliation, re-negotiation, or by shifting their focus toward bolstering trade among themselves. Some experts suggest the U.S. auto industry risks becoming increasingly isolated, especially if other nations deepen ties to compensate for lost American market share.
