he Consumer Affairs Department in Saint Lucia is pleased with the recent decision made by the government to zero-rate the Value Added Tax (VAT) on selected building materials, solar photovoltaic systems, and hygiene products.
The VAT reduction, set at 12.5%, will be in effect from August 2, 2023, until August 1, 2025.
Mrs Sophia Henry, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Manufacturing, Business Development, and Cooperatives, expressed optimism that this VAT reduction will boost consumer spending power and lead to reduced costs for these essential supplies, provided that other factors such as import and input costs remain steady.
