Tariffs

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…

In a significant escalation of the ongoing trade tensions, China has raised its tariffs on U.S. imports to an astounding 125%. This move comes in direct response to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent decision to increase duties on Chinese goods, further heightening the stakes in a trade conflict that poses serious risks to global supply chains. This retaliatory action from China exacerbates the economic instability triggered by President Trump’s tariffs, which have led to market declines and left international leaders…

Today, shares across Asia and Europe saw a notable surge, and the frantic bond sell-off appears to have stabilized following a surprise announcement from U.S. President Donald Trump. The President indicated that he would temporarily lower the hefty tariffs he had recently imposed on numerous countries. However, the overnight rally in U.S. stocks and the dollar lost some of its momentum as tensions escalated between the U.S. and China, leaving investors baffled by the administration's inconsistent approach to tariffs. As…

Picture this: a major economic announcement by the President of the United States, and the world waiting with bated breath. When President Donald Trump introduced a groundbreaking policy resetting the balance of import tariffs, it created more than a ripple—it was a tidal wave across international markets and government corridors. This new strategy, impacting over 180 nations, several of which are African, reflects a significant recalibration in America's approach to global trade. What is the…