Kenya and South Africa Push Back Against Trump’s New Trade Tariffs
The governments of Kenya and South Africa have responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly imposed tariffs on exports from countries that levy Value Added Tax (VAT) on American goods.
Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on Kenyan exports in retaliation for Kenya’s 16 percent VAT on U.S. products. South Africa faces a 30 percent tariff due to its 60 percent VAT on American imports. Other African nations, including Egypt, Morocco, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, are also affected by the decision.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei downplayed the impact of the tariffs, emphasizing that Kenya’s rates remain among the lowest. He confirmed that Kenya would advocate for a waiver and clarified that the tariffs would not immediately take effect due to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants African nations tariff-free access to U.S. markets until September 2025.
“While the tariffs may be among the lowest, we shall vigorously advocate for their waiver,” Sing’oei stated on X.
South Africa, on the other hand, has taken a firmer stance. In a statement from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office, the government expressed concern over the “punitive” tariffs and vowed to negotiate with the U.S. for a fairer trade agreement.
“While South Africa remains committed to a mutually beneficial trade relationship with the United States, unilaterally imposed tariffs act as a barrier to trade and shared prosperity,” the statement read.
With AGOA set to expire in September 2025, both Kenya and South Africa face mounting pressure to negotiate new trade terms with the U.S. If no agreement is reached, key Kenyan industries like textiles, tea, and coffee—previously exempt under AGOA—could suffer.
Trump’s move aligns with his “America First” trade policy, which prioritizes protecting U.S. economic interests. However, African nations argue that such tariffs threaten long-standing economic partnerships and could force a shift towards greater intra-African trade.
As negotiations unfold, all eyes remain on the diplomatic talks between Washington, Nairobi, and Pretoria in the coming months.
Source: Kenyans.co.ke
