Prime Minister and Finance Minister Hon. Gaston Browne has declared a substantial cut in the Antigua and Barbuda Sales Tax (ABST) for the Christmas holiday season.
Between December 20 and 22, 2024, the ABST will drop from 17% to just 7%, allowing shoppers to enjoy considerable savings during this festive period.
This announcement came during the Browne and Browne Show aired on Pointe FM on Saturday. The temporary reduction by 10 percentage points is designed to alleviate financial strain on consumers and stimulate spending during one of the year’s peak shopping times.
Local retailers are anticipated to experience a surge in sales as consumers make the most of the short-term tax relief.
This move by the government is part of a wider economic strategy aimed at fostering growth and reducing the cost of living for families during the holiday festivities.