GCCI: Arbitrary shipping fees, delays threaten local businesses

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Shipping companies operating in Guyana have come under scrutiny for arbitrary price hikes, delays in delivery and the sidelining of local businesses.
The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) said on Friday that complaints over the past year indicate some companies have imposed hiked fees, unilaterally extended peak period pricing and sidelined local businesses’ imports for clearance to prioritise large foreign companies.
“Unjustified increases in cost as well as delayed delivery of goods lead to increased cost to consumers, and negatively impact the operations of local businesses. Of particular concern is the impact of arbitrary price hikes and delays on businesses that are deadline driven and tied to the predetermined costs such as those in the construction sector,” the GCCI said in a statement.
In late 2025, the Chamber met with the Guyana Customs House Brokers and Clerks Association and subsequently sought engagement with the Shipping Association of Guyana to address the challenges highlighted. Attempts to relieve the situation have proven futile, the GCCI added.
The Chamber called on the Shipping Association to urgently meet with its members and rectify the situation, warning that continued inaction could have troubling ripple effects on the business landscape.