US President Donald Trump has imposed stunning tariffs of up to 50% on several African countries, including Lesotho, Madagascar, and South Africa. The tariffs, which are above the minimum 10%, will hit countries that rely heavily on exporting goods such as denim and diamonds to the US.
Lesotho, a small, landlocked country in southern Africa, is among the worst affected due to its reliance on exports of denim garments to American-branded jeans. The country’s textile industry, which employs over 12,000 workers, will face devastating economic consequences from the tariffs.
Africa’s poorest countries are already reeling from the impact of US policy, including the recent withdrawal of billions of dollars in aid to Africa. The continent’s foreign debt load exceeds $1.1 trillion, and many countries are spending more on loan repayments than on healthcare and education.
Experts warn that the tariffs will have far-reaching effects on the global economy, with slower growth expected over the coming months. The poorest countries in Africa will feel the sharpest effects of the tariffs, which will further worsen economic prospects and discourage investors.
The US has exempted some African countries whose major exports are energy or critical minerals from the tariffs. However, analysts say that even these countries may suffer from the knock-on effects of the tariffs on global trade. To mitigate the impact of the tariffs, African nations must develop regional trade networks within the continent, a long-standing goal.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/05/business/economy/when-huge-trump-tariffs-hit-small-african-economies.html