WILLEMSTAD - The port of Curaçao has generated significant income from import duties levied on incoming boats, especially yachts from the United States. According to a recent Customs report handed over to the Minister of Finance, last year saw the collection of 1.2 million guilders in import duties, almost a hundred thousand guilders less than the previous year.
Despite this decrease compared to the previous year, where 1.3 million guilders were collected, it remains a significant source of revenue for the government.
The distribution of income by category shows that local fishing boats contributed 83 thousand guilders, the Mining Company 47 thousand guilders, yachts 905 thousand guilders, explosives 84 thousand guilders, and Venezuelan fruit boats 29 thousand guilders, totaling 1.2 million guilders.
The report further notes that revenues from ships from the Netherlands and the United States are higher than those from other countries. It is noteworthy that in 2023, there were fewer yachts, but the revenues were higher due to their higher value and associated tariff. The months of October, November, and December saw an increase in the import of high-value goods. Other factors at play included the reopening of borders with Venezuela.