Former U.S. President Donald Trump has introduced sweeping new tariffs, imposing a 10% baseline tax on all imports into the United States while targeting specific countries with higher rates. Several African nations are among those affected by the new trade measures, which Trump claims are designed to boost American manufacturing and penalize nations with trade surpluses against the U.S.
Among the hardest-hit African countries is Lesotho, which faces a 50% tariff—one of the highest globally. Madagascar follows with a 47% tariff, while Mauritius (40%), Botswana (37%), and South Africa (30%) also face steep increases.
Other African nations affected include Nigeria (14%), while Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, and Liberia will all be subjected to a 10% tariff.
These tariffs are part of a broader effort to reshape global trade policies, with the European Union facing 20% tariffs and China hit with 34%. Trump’s decision has sparked concerns over potential economic repercussions, particularly for African nations that rely on trade with the U.S. under agreements like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
As global trade partners react to the announcement, analysts warn that the tariffs could disrupt supply chains, increase consumer prices, and strain diplomatic relations between the U.S. and affected countries.
