The United States is poised to significantly escalate tariffs on imports from smaller nations, with several African and Caribbean countries facing new duties exceeding 10% under a proposal by former President Donald Trump. Framed as a bid to enforce “reciprocal” trade terms, the policy marks a notable pivot in U.S. economic strategy, sparking alarm among affected nations and international institutions.
While the tariffs remain paused during a three-month consultation period, detailed plans suggest steep hikes for specific economies. Lesotho, a Southern African country reliant on textile exports to the U.S., could see import levies surge to 50%—a move experts warn could cripple key industries. The broader proposal targets what Trump described as “about 200 countries,” suggesting a standardized approach. “We’ll probably set one tariff for all of them,” he stated during a press briefing, though specifics on exemptions or tiered rates remain unclear.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick defended the strategy, emphasizing the administration’s focus on addressing trade imbalances. “The Caribbean countries, African countries—there are a lot of them,” he said, signaling that smaller economies may face heightened scrutiny. The policy aligns with Trump’s longstanding emphasis on renegotiating trade terms, though critics argue it risks destabilizing fragile markets.
Global pushback has been immediate. World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala urged the U.S. to exempt African nations, cautioning that tariffs could “undo years of progress” in regions where export-driven sectors anchor employment and economic stability. The WTO’s appeal highlights broader concerns over the disproportionate impact on developing economies, which often lack the resources to absorb abrupt trade shocks.
As the consultation phase continues, affected governments and multilateral bodies are pressing for negotiations to avert long-term damage. Analysts note that tariffs could disrupt supply chains, inflate consumer prices, and strain diplomatic ties, particularly in regions where the U.S. has historically promoted trade partnerships. Lesotho’s textile industry, which benefits from the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), exemplifies the vulnerability of sectors dependent on tariff-free access.
While the administration frames the measures as a tool for fairness, trade experts question the feasibility of a uniform approach across diverse economies. The lack of clarity on which nations might face the highest tariffs has further fueled uncertainty, with stakeholders urging transparency during the review process.
For now, the proposed levies hang in balance, leaving smaller nations to weigh contingency plans against the prospect of eroded competitiveness. The outcome of the consultations may not only redefine U.S. trade relations but also test the resilience of global economic frameworks in an era of shifting priorities.
