Shipping fees, delays, unfair practices squeeze local businesses – GCCI

The Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has raised concerns over what it describes as unfair and unconscionable practices by shipping companies operating in Guyana, citing mounting complaints from local businesses over the past year.
In a statement on Friday evening, the Chamber said it has observed a range of issues, including increased fees, the unilateral extension of peak period pricing, and the prioritisation of large foreign companies’ imports over those of local businesses for clearance. According to the GCCI, these practices are having wide-reaching effects on businesses, consumers, and the overall pace of economic development.
The Chamber noted that unjustified cost increases and delays in the delivery of goods have contributed to higher prices for consumers and disrupted the operations of local enterprises. It highlighted that the impact is particularly severe for deadline-driven sectors with fixed cost structures, such as construction, where delays and price changes can affect project timelines and budgets.
In response to complaints from its members, the GCCI said it engaged the Guyana Customs House Brokers and Clerks Association in late 2025 to better understand the challenges being faced. Following those discussions, the Chamber sought a meeting with the Shipping Association of Guyana to address the issues raised by stakeholders within the logistics and trade sectors.
However, the GCCI reported that efforts to resolve the matter have so far yielded no meaningful results. The Chamber expressed concern that the conduct of some companies within the shipping industry continues without adequate oversight or corrective measures.
“The situation cannot continue unchecked,” the GCCI said, warning that the actions of shipping companies are creating ripple effects across the business landscape, affecting competitiveness, cost structures, and supply chains.
The Chamber is now calling on the Shipping Association of Guyana to engage with its members and take urgent steps to address the issues. It stressed that timely intervention is necessary to ensure fair treatment of local businesses and to support a stable and predictable trading environment.
The GCCI also reiterated its commitment to advocating on behalf of the local Private Sector and said it remains open to dialogue aimed at resolving the concerns in the interest of national development.