Aruba business group warns of unfair competition from informal market

The Comercianten Uní Aruba (CUA) business association has warned that the growth of the informal market is creating unfair competition for registered businesses. During a press conference, CUA President Frans Ponson stated that formal merchants face significant costs, including turnover tax, BBO, permits, and administrative requirements, which unregistered competitors do not have to meet.

Ponson noted that this disparity allows informal sellers to offer lower prices, pressuring registered business owners to either close or exit the formal economy. The association reported that members have submitted complaints regarding unregistered activities to Aruba’s tax and economic affairs authorities, but they have seen insufficient concrete action or follow-up.

CUA is calling on the government to implement permanent oversight and ensure that existing laws and fiscal obligations are applied equally to all operators. The association emphasized that its goal is not to target small-scale economic activity, but to ensure a level playing field and protect public revenue.