Trade Promotion and Advertising
A prevalence of U.S. brands and media results in the widespread use of American advertising techniques, but companies are advised to work closely with local partners to factor in local differences. The Advertisements Regulation Act governs advertising in TT. The industry is also regulated by the Advertising Agencies Association of TT and the Advertising Standards Authority. Advertising of professional services, such as those of doctors and lawyers, is generally not allowed. The Tobacco Control Act prohibits tobacco advertising and sponsorship.
The Single Company Promotion (SCP), a U.S. Commercial Service program, is designed to help promote a U.S. company or local partner’s existing presence in an overseas market. The SCP provides an opportunity to promote products or services and facilitate networking opportunities. It can be customized and can take the form of events, such as business roundtables, seminars, or receptions. For single company promotion services, please contact your nearest U.S. Export Assistance Center.
The premiere trade show is the TT Manufacturers’ Association’s Trade and Investment Convention at https://ttma.com/tic/. There are other, annual sector-specific events. Radio, print (mostly newspapers), television outlets, and outdoor signage are widely used for advertising. Widespread viewing of U.S.-origin entertainment via cable television raises demand for U.S. products. Given TT’s size, word of mouth also serves as an important advertising medium. Social media, especially Facebook and Instagram, have become networks of choice for advertisers. LinkedIn, YouTube, Tik Tok, and Twitter are also increasingly popular.
TT Guardian (Guardian Media Limited)
22 - 24 St. Vincent St., Port of Spain; P.O. Box 122
Tel: (868) 623-8870/9; Fax: (868) 625-7211 (news), 623-2050 (advertising)
Trinidad Express (Caribbean Communications Network)
35 & 37 Independence Square, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 623-1711/8; Fax: (868) 627-1451
Daily News Limited
17-19 Pembroke Street, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 623-4929-31; Fax: (868) 625-8362
Email: newsday@newsday.co.tt
Television Stations:
CCN-TV6
35 Independence Square, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 627-8806; Fax: (868) 623-0785
Email: sales@tv6tnt.com
TTT
11a Maraval Road, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 622-4141
Email: info@ttt.co.tt
Cable News Channel 3 (CNC3)
Level 4, Guardian Building
22-24 St. Vincent Street, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 627-5996 Ext. 5920; Fax: 8(68) 627-1109
Cable:
DirecTV Trinidad Limited
31 Mulchan Seuchan Road, Chaguanas
Tel: (868) 223-4688
Website: https://www.directvcaribbean.com/
Amplia Communications
81A El Socorro Extension Road, San Juan
Tel: (868) 609-2667
Website: www.amplia.co.tt
Columbus Communications (Flow)
Duke Street, Port of Spain
Tel: (868) 223-3569
Website: https://discoverflow.co/
Pricing
Businesses are generally free to price their products as they wish. Importer mark-ups range 20-40 percent, while retailers tend to mark-up products 20-50 percent and higher for specialty items. A 12.5 percent VAT is added to most products.
Sales Service/Customer Support
There are no regulations governing sales, service, or customer support, but many companies offer support to differentiate themselves in the market. Legislation governing consumer rights and protection can be found at the following: Consumer Protection and Safety Act (PDF)
Local Professional Services
Provide references to local service providers (confirm that links are still valid) and other professional associations.
Principal Business Associations
American Chamber of Commerce TT (https://www.amchamtt.com/) is the leading international business association and accepts U.S. company members and regularly advocates for greater ease of doing business.
TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce (https://chamber.org.tt/) has a broad membership but is more focused on local companies. Membership is open to international businesses that have operations in TT.
Energy Chamber of TT (https://energynow.tt/) brings together upstream, downstream, and government interests and drives the discussion on energy sector issues. Membership is open to international businesses that have operations in TT.
The Manufacturers’ Association focuses on the domestic manufacturing sector.
The Trinidad Hotel, Restaurants, and Tourism Association brings together businesses operating in the hospitality industry. Membership is open to international businesses that have operations in TT.
Each organization represents its members at the highest levels of government and advocates on policy issues concerning them.
American Chamber of Commerce TT
62 Maraval Road
Newtown, Port of Spain
Tel: 622-4466
Email: phyllisjohnson@amchamtt.com
Energy Chamber of TT
Suite B2.03 Atlantic Plaza
Atlantic Avenue, Point Lisas
Tel: 868 636-3749
Email: member-relations@energy.tt
TT Chamber of Industry and Commerce
Columbus Circle, Westmoorings
Tel: 868 637-6966
Email: chamber@chamber.org.tt; tobagochamber@chamber.org.tt
TT Manufacturers Association
42 Tenth Street, Barataria
Tel: 868 675-8862
Email: research@ttma.com
Limitations on Selling U.S. Products and Services
There are no limitations on selling U.S. products and services. On the contrary, TT is a welcoming market for U.S. products as they are generally considered high quality.