Trump tariffs sting to ruffle several economies in Africa

• U.S. President Donald Trump unleashes sweeping tariffs targeting struggling African nations in a bold trade shift.
• South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and other major trading partners branded among the “worst offenders” in global commerce.
• Trump accuses countries of imposing high tariffs on US goods, erecting “non-tariff barriers,” or engaging in policies deemed harmful to American economic interests.

Even before the pain following aid cuts could reverberate across Africa, U.S. President Donald Trump has unleashed another shocker on economies in Africa, announcing a wave of tariffs targeting countries that offer Washington “unfair trade practices”.

The new measures, which include a baseline 10 per cent levy on all imports and additional “reciprocal tariffs” on select countries, could deal a sharp blow to key African economies already struggling with global economic headwinds post the Covid-19 fallout.

South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and other major trading partners now face steeper trade barriers, with Trump branding them among the “worst offenders” in global commerce. The decision, framed by the Republican leader as a declaration of “economic independence,” has drawn swift condemnation from affected nations, with South Africa’s presidency slamming the tariffs as “punitive” and harmful to shared prosperity.

US-Africa relations in the crosshairs: Who gets hit the hardest?

Trump’s new tariff structure imposes varying rates on African exporters:

1. South Africa: 30 per cent (dubbed a “discounted” rate despite Pretoria’s protests)
2. Lesotho: 50 per cent
3. Madagascar: 47 per cent
4. Mauritius: 40 per cent
5. Botswana: 37 per cent
6. Nigeria: 14 per cent
7. Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, Liberia: Baseline 10 per cent.

The White House justified the measures by accusing these nations of either imposing high tariffs on US goods, erecting “non-tariff barriers,” or engaging in policies deemed harmful to American economic interests.

“These countries have been taking advantage of the United States for decades,” Trump declared during a fiery White House announcement. “Our taxpayers have been ripped off for more than 50 years, but it is not going to happen anymore.”

Flanked by charts listing offending nations, Trump singled out South Africa—one of Africa’s most industrialized economies—as a major culprit, alleging it imposes a 60 per cent effective tariff burden on US imports.

“Liberation day” or trade war escalation?

The Trump administration framed the tariffs as a corrective measure to level the playing field for American businesses. Dubbing the policy rollout “liberation day,” the former president argued that the US had been “pillaged” by foreign trade partners.

But critics warn the move risks triggering retaliatory measures and disrupting supply chains, particularly in African nations reliant on US markets.

South Africa, already facing strained relations with Washington, reacted sharply. The presidency issued a statement condemning the tariffs as “economically damaging” and warned they could “undermine years of trade cooperation.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Trump took a swipe at South Africa’s domestic policies, echoing previous criticisms of its land reform agenda.

“They have got some bad things going on in South Africa,” he said, referencing his administration’s earlier decision to cut aid to the country. “We are paying them billions, and we had to stop it because of the way they treat people.”

His remarks align with past statements from allies like Elon Musk, the South Africa-born billionaire, who has been vocal in his opposition to Pretoria’s governance.

Trump auto industry hit: 25% levy on imported vehicles

Beyond country-specific tariffs, the Trump administration also announced a blanket 25 per cent duty on all foreign-made automobiles—a move that could send shockwaves through African markets dependent on imported vehicles from Japan, Germany, and China.

Car dealers in nations such as Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa may soon face steep price hikes, further squeezing consumers already battling inflation-induced price increases.

Aid cuts and economic fallout: A double blow for Africa

The tariffs arrive as several African nations reel from cuts in US foreign aid, including USAID which previously supported health, education, and a vast array of humanitarian programs. Trump’s earlier freeze on billions of dollars worth of aid—announced during his first day in office—has left many vulnerable economies scrambling for alternatives.

Economists fear the combined effect of trade restrictions and reduced aid could stifle growth in regions already grappling with debt crises and currency instability.

“This marks a stark departure from the US’s traditional trade approach with Africa,” said one analyst. “Instead of fostering partnerships, these tariffs could push African nations closer to competitors like China and the EU.”

What happens next?

The 10 per cent baseline tariffs take effect on April 5, with higher rates for targeted nations kicking in by April 9. Policymakers in African governments now face tough choices:

1. Will they negotiate for exemptions?
2. Could retaliatory tariffs emerge?
3. Will this accelerate a pivot toward alternative markets like China?

One thing is certain: Trump’s latest salvo has thrust Africa into the center of a growing global trade storm—with economic pain likely to follow millions of people across the population.

A new era of US-Africa trade relations?

For decades, US trade policy toward Africa focused on preferential deals such as AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), designed to boost exports from the continent. But Trump’s aggressive tariffs signal a dramatic shift—one that prioritizes protectionism over partnership.

As African leaders weigh their next moves, the looming question remains: Will this tariff war force a painful reckoning, or will it spur a new wave of economic self-reliance?

Read also: U.S aid withdrawal threatens to derail HIV, Malaria and TB responses in Africa—WHO