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President Donald Trump
Business & Economy
New U.S. Policy May Affect Money Sent to Belize
New United States regulations impose a 1% federal excise tax on certain remittances sent from the U.S., effective January 1, 2026, targeting transfers made through Western Union, MoneyGram, cash, money orders, and cashier’s checks. The measure is part of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which was signed into law in July 2025.
Government
Government Says MCC Grant Restored but Will Be Modified
On Wednesday, August 20th, the Government of Belize (GOB) announced that the country may still access the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant, despite the program being shut down in April of this year. Belize’s foreign service lobbied strongly for its reinstatement, and the effort succeeded. However, officials confirmed the agreement has been modified, and it remains uncertain whether Belize will receive the full US$125 million approved initially.
Government
21 Belizeans Repatriated from the USA in First-Ever Charter Flight
On Thursday, May 22nd, a charter flight from the United States of America (USA) landed at the Philip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), repatriating 21 Belizeans who had been residing illegally in that country. The aircraft arrived shortly after 11AM, and following immigration processing, the Belizean nationals were transported to the Queen Street Police Station in Belize City for screening before being released. The flight, an Airbus A321, was carrying a total of 150 deportees, the majority of whom were from Peru and Chile.
Government
U.S. Embassy in Belize releases ‘Warning Statement’ for Visa Seekers
The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, represented by Chargé d’affaires David Hodge, has delivered a strong message to the people of Belize: seek legal pathways to enter the United States or face serious consequences. As pressures related to migration rise, the Embassy's campaign titled “Don’t Risk Your Future” highlights the dangers of illegal entry and outlines the correct procedures for obtaining a U.S. visa.
Government
Belize loses US$125 million Millennium Challenge Corporation grant
In September 2024, the Government of Belize (GOB) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a United States government agency, announced the signing of a five-year, $125 million grant agreement to invest in education and energy in the country. Fast-forward to April 2025, with a new American administration in place, the MCC has reportedly been shut down, leading to the cancellation of the multimillion-dollar grant.
Business & Economy
US Government pauses reciprocal tariffs on most countries for 90 days
On Wednesday, April 9th, the United States announced a 90-day pause on the newly implemented reciprocal tariff rates, which included a 10% tariff on imports from various trade partners, including Belize. President Donald Trump's administration clarified that China would not receive any exemptions and is facing steeper tariff rates of up to 125%. Meanwhile, the Government of Belize (GOB) has consulted with stakeholders regarding the U.S. tariff policy.
Business & Economy
New 10% tariff on Belizean imports to the USA
In a significant move marking the most extensive tariff initiative by the U.S. in decades, President Donald Trump announced "kind" reciprocal tariffs affecting over 180 countries, including Belize, which will face a 10% tariff on its imports to the U.S. This announcement has major implications for global trade and could potentially reshape economic relationships between the U.S. and its trading partners.
Business & Economy
USAID’s shutdown will impact Belize
The recent termination of operations by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has raised concerns about the future of various development projects in Belize. This shutdown announced recently, is expected to have far-reaching implications for healthcare, infrastructure, and social programs in Belize that have relied on U.S. funding.