Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke has indicated the government’s intent to move the duty-free shipping threshold from US $50 to US $100, effective April 2024.

He made the announcement at the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) 80th Annual Conference, which was held at the national arena in Kingston, today.

Dr. Clarke noted that a bill to make the change will be debated in parliament.

He said government will also be looking to move the duty-free allowance for Jamaicans entering the island from US $500 to $1,000.

The opposition People’s National Party (PNP) has welcomed the raising of the duty-free shipping threshold, while claiming the idea as its own.

In a post on his social media, responding to the Finance Minister’s announcement, PNP President Mark Golding said he was glad that Mr. Clarke has been listening to his recommendations.

He said however that a $150 threshold for duty free shipping would have been better, than the $100 proposed.

The Opposition Leader further described the announcement as an election gimmick.