Kenya spared as Trump slaps new tariffs on 69 countries

The order listed higher import duty rates of 10 per cent to 41 per cent starting in seven days for 69 trading partners.

In a statement, Trump pointed out that some trading partners failed to engage in negotiations with the United States or to take adequate steps to engage on economic and national security matters.

“I have determined that it is necessary and appropriate to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 14257 by imposing additional ad valorem duties on goods of certain trading partners at the rates set forth,” Trump said.

According to Trump, other trading partners, despite having engaged in negotiations, offered terms that, in his judgment, do not sufficiently address imbalances in their trading relationship,” he noted.

Uganda is the only East African country on Trump’s list, facing a 15 per cent reciprocal tariff.

South Africa, Algeria and Libya face the highest rate on the continent at 30 per cent followed by Tunisia at 25 per cent.

Other African countries on the list face a 15 per cent reciprocal tariff. They are: Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d`Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea.

Others facing a similar rate include Ghana, Lesotho: Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

Globally, the hardest-hit nations are Syria, with 41 per cent; Laos and Myanmar both at 40 per cent; Switzerland, at 39 per cent; Iraq and Serbia, each at 35 per cent; and Bosnia and Herzegovina, with 30 per cent.

Trump added that goods from all other countries not listed will be subject to a 10 per cent U.S. import tax.