Tariffs

Aliko Dangote, widely recognized as Africa’s wealthiest individual, has made bold assertions about the future of his enterprise, stating that the Dangote Group is poised to generate an astonishing $30 billion in total revenue next year. This announcement comes amidst rising anxieties among global businesses regarding the potential repercussions of President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs. One can’t help but wonder: How do global trade dynamics impact local businesses, especially those as vast as Dangote’s?…

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote recently expressed his comfort regarding the implications of former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on his urea exports to the United States. His assessment provides a nuanced perspective on global trade dynamics, highlighting that his principal competitor, Algeria, faced an even steeper tariff. This is a timely reflection considering how international trade often feels like navigating a never-ending chess match, each move influencing the subsequent strategies of market players.…

The Impact of Tariffs on Small Businesses and Economic Stability The recent implementation of a staggering 145% duty on Chinese imports is more than just a headline; it’s a potential tipping point for many American businesses. Ryan Petersen, the CEO of Flexport, raised this alarming possibility during a recent episode of The Prof G Pod, asserting that this drastic measure could lead to "mass bankruptcies." His insights prompt us to ask: what happens to small businesses when the market suddenly shifts beneath their feet?…

Tariffs pose a significant threat to an estimated $8 billion in African exports to the United States. This predicament jeopardizes decades of commercial relationships built on mutual trust and economic collaboration. It begs the question: how did we reach a point where the interests of emerging economies are sidelined in favor of broader economic policies? According to a recent report from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the implications of Donald Trump’s new tariff policies extend far…

In the heart of Washington, D.C., the Brady Briefing Room of the White House has become a stage for significant political dialogue and decisions. On April 15, 2025, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt took to the podium, confidently addressing the media with the weight of an evolving narrative of trade relations resting on her shoulders. It was a moment that underscored the complexities of global economics and international relations. The tone was set when Leavitt relayed a crucial message from President Donald…

U.S. Tariffs and the Unforeseen Consequences on Africa’s Most Vulnerable Economies When President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariff hikes, it wasn't only the usual global economic powerhouses that paused in their tracks. Beneath the major headlines, tucked away from mainstream international attention, were smaller developing nations—countries that, economically speaking, barely register a blip on the American trade radar. Yet these nations, many located in Africa, now face potentially devastating consequences. One…

Chinese President Xi Jinping has made a notable statement during his recent visit to Vietnam, emphasizing that protectionism "leads nowhere" and insisting that there are "no winners" in a trade war, according to reports from state media. This visit marks the beginning of a Southeast Asia tour aimed at reinforcing regional trade ties and countering the effects of substantial tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. As the first overseas trip of the year for Mr. Xi, his itinerary includes stops in Vietnam, Malaysia,…

On a seemingly ordinary Sunday, with the world taking a breath from the daily grind, President Donald Trump made headlines yet again. In a rather direct and unambiguous manner, he conveyed through a Truth Social post that tech-related tariffs are still on the table. This came just two days after the U.S. announced exemptions for many tech goods from recently proposed tariffs against China. “There was no Tariff 'exception' announced on Friday,” Trump declared. “These products are subject to the existing 20% Fentanyl…

Recently, China's Commerce Minister, Wang Wentao, conducted insightful conversations with Saudi Arabia's Commerce Minister, Majid bin Abdullah al-Qasabi, and South Africa's Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau. The primary focus of these dialogues was to deliberate on the growing pressure from U.S.-imposed "reciprocal tariffs." Can we ponder for a moment on what these diplomatic exchanges signify? Are they merely routine discussions, or do…

US Government Grants Tariff Exclusions on Electronics The US government has recently announced tariff exclusions for smartphones, computers, and other electronics primarily imported from China. This decision spares these products from the steep 125% reciprocal duties that were previously imposed by President Donald Trump. In a notification to shippers, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency has published a list of tariff codes that will now be exempt from these duties, a move that some view as a…