Trump Slaps Highest Tariff Yet on Small African Nation

April 14, 2025

President Donald Trump has announced extensive new tariffs on approximately 60 nations, including a record 50% reciprocal tariff on Lesotho, citing trade imbalances that disadvantage American manufacturers. The White House justified the steep penalty on Lesotho by pointing to its 99% tariff on U.S. goods and $264 million trade surplus, despite importing only $8 million in American goods in 2022. These tariffs effectively signal the premature end of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which had allowed duty-free access to U.S. markets for many African exports before its scheduled expiration in September.

Who is affected

Lesotho and approximately 60 other nations facing new tariffs
African countries including Madagascar, Mauritius, Botswana, and South Africa
American manufacturers (claimed to be hurt by trade imbalances)
Lesotho's apparel and diamond export industries
Youth in Lesotho who rely on jobs created through exports to the U.S.
Nations struggling with poverty, natural disasters, and public health crises
Lesotho specifically, which has one of the world's highest HIV/AIDS infection rates

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is imposing reciprocal tariffs on approximately 60 countries, with rates starting at 10%
Lesotho is being subjected to a record-setting 50% tariff on its exports to the United States
The White House is targeting nations with trade surpluses against the U.S.
The U.S. government is effectively ending the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) benefits months ahead of its scheduled expiration

Why it matters

The tariffs effectively end AGOA benefits months before the program's scheduled expiration in September
These actions could severely impact African countries that rely on exports to the U.S. for economic development
The tariffs come at a particularly difficult time for countries already struggling with poverty and health crises
Lesotho, which relies on South Africa for 85% of its imports, could face significant economic hardship
The tariffs penalize African countries that developed export-driven economies based on previous U.S. advice
Jobs created through duty-free access to U.S. markets, particularly in Lesotho's apparel industry, are now at risk

What's next

The South African government states there is urgency to negotiate a new bilateral and mutually beneficial trade agreement with the U.S. to secure long-term trade certainty

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint