TTMA Trade Mission to New York 2025: Caribbean Industry Steps onto the U.S. Stage

By: Janet Howard | Photo courtesy: Ismahieel Ali

The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) is set to lead a high-profile Trade Mission to New York from September 15–19, 2025, a strategic initiative aimed at deepening commercial ties and opening new distribution channels for Caribbean-made products in the United States.

Featured on the Business Matters program of the Chamber Coalition—which includes the New American Chamber of Commerce, the African-American International Chamber of Commerce, and the Hispanic-American International Chamber of Commerce—TTMA Trade Officer Ismail Ali emphasized the mission’s dual goals: expanding the market share of established Caribbean manufacturers and generating much-needed foreign exchange while leveraging the cultural and consumer affinity of the Caribbean diaspora in North America.

A Multi-Sector Approach

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The delegation represents a diverse cross-section of industries:
– Food and Beverage – From distinctive Caribbean flavors to specialty confectionery, long a strong export candidate.
– Cosmetics and Beauty – Including iconic brands like Sasha Cosmetics, a household name across the region.
– ICT and Logistics – Offering innovative solutions poised for competitive entry into U.S. procurement networks.
– Chemical Products and Apparel – Featuring companies with decades of manufacturing expertise.

While food and beverage products often command immediate attention due to their unique appeal, Ali stressed that TTMA views opportunity across all sectors, each with potential niche markets in New York and beyond.

What U.S. Buyers Stand to Gain

For American buyers and distributors, the mission presents a rare opportunity: access to differentiated products with proven track records of quality and supply. Many of the participating companies boast 30 to 40 years of manufacturing experience, positioning them as reliable partners for expansion into states across the U.S.

“Buyers can expect not only unique products but also manufacturers who have invested decades into building capacity,” Ali explained. “Now, they’re ready to scale and penetrate the U.S. market.”

Tackling Market Barriers

One of the largest hurdles for Caribbean exporters, particularly in food and beverage, is regulatory compliance. FDA certification and related approvals can be costly and time-consuming. The mission directly addresses this by offering participants a Doing Business Seminar—an information session covering customs procedures, documentation, and regulatory requirements. By engaging U.S. officials and agencies, the mission helps companies understand the practical steps necessary for certification and smoother market entry.

Structure of the Mission

The New York mission is structured to maximize both immediate and long-term outcomes:
– B2B Meetings: Core sessions connecting manufacturers with buyers, distributors, and potential investors.
– Networking Reception: Featuring business leaders and diplomatic representatives, fostering broader stakeholder engagement.
– Doing Business Seminar: Guidance from U.S. customs and regulatory officials to clarify compliance pathways.

Meetings are scheduled at the Sheraton Hotel, with additional engagements planned with the Brooklyn and Queens Chambers of Commerce.

A Roadmap for North America

TTMA’s outreach in New York forms part of a broader North American strategy. Recent missions included Canada and U.S. territories, with upcoming plans for Miami, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Each step is designed to build a foundation for sustained market penetration.

“We view this as a first introduction,” Ali noted. “Future missions will continue to strengthen those bridges, opening doors for our manufacturers in multiple states.”

Call to Action

The TTMA Trade Mission to New York 2025 is more than a showcase of Caribbean goods; it is a business gateway. U.S. distributors, buyers, and stakeholders interested in exploring partnership opportunities can connect directly with TTMA at tradeassist@ttma.com. Virtual and in-person meetings are available to ensure broad participation.

From Caribbean flavors to innovative ICT solutions, this mission demonstrates that Trinidad and Tobago’s manufacturing sector is ready—not only to participate in global trade but to lead with distinction.

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