Key Points
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African nations tariffs are under review in new talks.
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Leaders fear tariffs could slow economic growth sharply.
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Negotiations aim to preserve trade and local industries.
African leaders are strongly pushing for trade discussions with Washington to start up again.
They say that tariffs from the Trump period, which have generally stayed in place, are harming crucial industries very badly.
Many African exporters are trying to keep their market share in one of their biggest foreign marketplaces since the tariffs, which were previously justified on the basis of trade balance and national security, are still in place under the current U.S. government.
People who know what’s going on say that diplomats from a number of African Union member nations are quietly pushing the U.S. Trade Representative to start new talks.
According to a report by  Africa-news, they aim to get reduced prices or exemptions on some goods, such steel, aluminum, and some agricultural exports. They warn that if there is no help, the effects could extend to economies that are already weak.
People are starting to criticize African countries more and more for their tariffs
The tariffs, which in some cases are more than 25%, have affected businesses in all parts of the continent.
Kenyan exporters of flowers say that rising expenses are making them less competitive in the U.S. market. South African aluminum smelters, on the other hand, say that their margins are getting tighter.
The duties have also been called a reason why Nigeria’s textile industry can’t flourish as expected.
Officials say that the policies have a bigger effect on developing countries since they don’t have the money to shield their industry from sudden shocks from outside.
As one trade ambassador from West Africa put it, “these tariffs are blunt instruments.” “We suffer the most, even though they weren’t made with African economies in mind.”
Economic dangers make people want to renegotiate more
Economists say that if nothing changes, the tariffs might slow down Africa’s gradual recovery from the pandemic.
The World Bank says that if trade restrictions stay the same, sub-Saharan Africa’s GDP will decrease to 3.3% this year.
This could mean fewer jobs in manufacturing and logistics associated to exports, especially in nations where exports to the US make up a large part of GDP.
The African Continental Free commerce Area, which wants to boost commerce between African countries, might help by moving some items to regional markets. But authorities say that this doesn’t replace U.S. access, which is still important for industries like metals, minerals, and high-value agricultural products.
There is still some doubt about how likely it is that trade will improve
Washington’s internal political calculation, especially when it comes to protecting American steel and aluminum manufacturers, suggests that any changes are unlikely to happen soon.
However, U.S. officials have said they are open to “reviewing” some measures.
Still, African trade ministers are betting that a united diplomatic front can lead to tiny wins. “It’s about balance and fairness,” said one high-ranking South African official. “If we can’t trade fairly, both sides lose.”
Tariffs on African countries are still a subject of controversy in the greater U.S.-African relationship. This affects the conversation about how trade policy can help or hurt growth.
