US President Donald Trump slapped tariffs in Africa as part of his so-called “liberation day” restructuring of world trade.
Among African countries, the hardest hit by Trump's willingness to introduce what he says is a “mutual” tariff is Lesotho, South Africa, where its products will be hit by a 50% tariff. Madagascar (47%); Mauritius (40%); Botswana (37%); Angola (32%); South Africa (30%); Namibia (21%); Zimbabwe (18%); Zambia (17%) and Malawi (17%).
North Africa is also one of the hit regions. Libya is charged 31%. Algeria 30%; Tunisia 28%. In West Africa, Ivory Coast is hit hardest at 21%, while Nigeria is receiving 14% tariffs.
China, the continent's largest trading partner, suffers from 54% tariffs.
Mutual and universal tariffs have regulated many trade with Africa in recent decades, but appear to overturn tariff-free provisions in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a US law that is due to expire in September this year.
Trump argued that all countries hit by new mutual tariffs are already collecting widespread tariffs on the United States. For example, the most difficult hit Lesotho claimed 99% from the US, while Madagascar claimed 93% and 80% from Mauritius. Trump said the “discounted mutual tariffs” meant that the new tariffs still left some tariffs at lower fees than those charged to the US.
The 25% tariff on all foreign-made cars enters midnight on April 3rd. South Africa, with vehicles and parts exports to the US estimated to exceed $2 billion, is calling for consultations with the Trump administration over automobile fares. According to the South African government, automobile exports from South Africa accounted for 64% of South Africa's exports to the US under the 2024 AGOA.
Trump hits with trade deficits
Trump's executive order argued that different tariff rates and non-tariff barriers, as well as economic policies that “control domestic wages and consumption” and “control domestic wages and consumption” have led to US trade violations annually. He argued that the situation constituted “an extraordinary and extraordinary threat to the US national security and economy.”
“The massive and sustainable annual US property trade obstacles led to cries from manufacturing bases, hampering their ability to expand sophisticated domestic manufacturing capabilities, providing a defence industry base that is dependent on foreign enemies.
