Puerto Rico’s tariff bill nearly quadrupled in 2025

Puerto Rico paid $919.7 million in tariffs in 2025, nearly four times the $236.6 million recorded the previous year, according to an analysis by the Puerto Rico Institute of Statistics. Tariffs covered 54% of U.S. imports after sweeping federal trade actions expanded during the year.

The island’s effective tariff rate rose from 1.17% to 4.81%. Agricultural imports were hit especially hard, with the average effective rate increasing from 1.24% to 7.24%. The institute said higher import costs contributed to increased prices for food, construction materials and manufactured goods.

The Supreme Court’s February ruling invalidating one tariff mechanism did not remove most duties through the end of 2025. The institute projected Puerto Rico’s average effective tariff rate could ease to between 6.6% and 7.2% this year, while elevated import costs continue to affect essential goods.

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