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Africa · AGOA · Tariffs · Trade
US President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs, including a 50% levy on Lesotho's textile exports and 30% on South Africa's vehicle and agri-business exports, shaking trade ties and raising concerns across the African continent.
Lesotho's trade minister, Mokhethi Shelile, stated the 50% tariff on its textile exports, which employ over 12,000 people (42% of the industry), is "not based on facts on the ground" and fears immediate factory closures and job losses. Analyst Daniel Silke noted the 30% tariffs on South Africa will hit key sectors like agri-business and vehicle exports, causing job losses in regions like the Western and Eastern Cape, and weakening the rand.
The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa warned 35,000 citrus-related jobs are jeopardized. Silke stated these tariffs effectively nullify the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which provides tariff-free access to US markets for eligible African countries and is set to expire in September 2025.
Kenya faces a lower 10% tariff, while Ghana, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, Senegal, and Liberia also face the 10% baseline. South Africa, with China as its top partner, will seek new markets, and economist Kako Nubukpo suggested African nations promote national and regional value chains as a buffer.
