Overview

Due diligence is generally advised before selling to clients directly or through agents and distributors. Several large, established distribution companies in Jamaica import and distribute a range of products although, smaller companies may be suitable as agents for some products. Demand and markups for products vary, with some companies specializing in high volume and low markups while others distribute goods that ensure a high markup. Due to Jamaica’s proximity and strong cultural affinity to North America, successful business strategies in North America are generally successful in Jamaica.

Trade Promotion and Advertising

Advertising is primarily done through radio, television, newspaper, social and other electronic media, and billboards, including electronic billboards. A few advertising agencies have national coverage, and Jamaica has a wide range of companies licensed to offer broadcast media services and Subscriber Television (STV or Cable), including a wireless, multi-point, multi-channel, licensee. There are also several Internet service providers.

Jamaican above the line (ATL) consumption has declined between 2021 to 2023.  Television viewership declined by 26 percent, falling from 991,000 viewers to 736,000, while press readership dropped more sharply by 46 percent, decreasing from 664,000 readers to 340,000. Radio also experienced a reduction, with listenership down 10 percent from 885,000 to 796,000.  The two major free-to-air local TV networks are:

• Television Jamaica (TVJ)
• CVM

A Digital Switchover (DSO) public education campaign was launched in December 2023, by the Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica, to promote Jamaica’s transition to digital television using the ATSC 3.0 standard. The campaign will run until after the analogue switch-off. Branded as the NextGen TV campaign, it uses both digital and traditional channels, including social media, a dedicated website (nextgentvja.com), radio, TV, billboards, newspapers, and bus ads, ensuring wide public reach.

The country also has two morning dailies, one afternoon tabloid, and several periodicals and magazines. These include:

• The Gleaner Newspaper, 7 North Street, Kingston
  Tel: (876) 9223400
• The Jamaica Observer Newspaper, 40-421/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 8
  Tel: (876) 931-7825/7832
• The Star Newspaper (afternoon tabloid), 7 North St., Kingston
  Tel: (876) 9223400

Pricing

Prices are largely market-driven, with the Fair-Trading Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Affairs Commission (CAC) responsible for monitoring competition. The CAC plays a role in conducting research and informing the public of price variations. The National Consumer League, a local NGO, plays a watchdog role. Most goods and services attract a sales tax called the General Consumption Tax (GCT). The standard rate of GCT is 15[GM1] [B(2]  percent; however, higher or lower rates of GCT are applicable to certain goods and services. Goods such as alcohol, cigarettes, and fuel attract Special Consumption Taxes (SCT). Utility services, such as electricity, water and telecommunications, are regulated by the Office of Utilities Regulation, with the first two requiring approval for price increases.

Sales Service/Customer Support

After-sales service is an important competitive advantage in the Jamaican market and a requirement for an effective sales operator. If a U.S. firm has difficulty setting up its own distribution system, a local agent or distributor may be retained to maintain a trained service staff with a reasonable stock of spare parts. Alternatively, the supplier could offer the customer rapid service from the United States.

Local Professional Services

It is advisable to retain professional advice at the early stages of a business venture to ensure smooth startup and compliance with local laws. The Jamaica Bar Association has a large list of members and other professional service organizations including the:

• General Legal Council
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Jamaica
• Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica
• Jamaica Bankers Association
• Architects Registration Board
• Jamaica Institute of Engineers
• Jamaica Institute of Environmental Professionals
• Jamaica Institute of Quantity Surveyors
• Realtors Association of Jamaica
• Principal Business Associations

The following associations are open to U.S. companies:

• American Chamber of Commerce of Jamaica – the largest association of U.S. companies, which promotes investment and trade between the United States, Jamaica, and the wider Caribbean region.
• Jamaica Chamber of Commerce – assists companies doing business in Jamaica and has influenced the passage of legislation and regulations.
• Jamaica Manufacturers’ and Exporters’ Association - represents manufacturers, exporters, and organizations providing services to these sectors.
• Jamaica Hotel and Tourism Association - promotes the development of Jamaica’s hospitality industry and represent the interests of its members with government and its agencies and in forums locally, regionally, and internationally.
• Private Sector Organization of Jamaica - a grouping of private sector associations, companies, and individuals. The organization influences national policy by promoting discussions with the country’s political directorate.

Limitations on Selling U.S. Products and Services

There are no areas of the manufacturing or services sectors restricting ownership or business opportunities to foreign or local entities.