Fri Apr 04 03:37:28 UTC 2025: ## Trump’s Tariffs Effectively Kill AGOA, Pushing African Nations Towards China

**Washington D.C./Nairobi** – President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on numerous trading partners, including several African nations, have effectively ended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), experts warn. The decision throws the decades-long trade agreement, which allowed duty-free exports from African countries to the US, into jeopardy and is expected to severely impact African economies.

Announced as part of a broad protectionist shift, the tariffs impose a 10% duty on all US imports, with significantly higher rates – as high as 50% – levied on countries deemed “worst offenders,” including Nigeria (14%), South Africa (31%), Lesotho (50%), Madagascar (47%), Mauritius (40%), Botswana (37%), and Angola (32%). These tariffs, effective April 5th and 9th, directly contradict AGOA’s core principle of duty-free access.

The impact on Africa’s largest economies is severe. South Africa, a major exporter of vehicles and auto parts to the US under AGOA, faces a combined 31% tariff. Nigeria, a key exporter of crude oil, also faces substantial increases. Smaller nations, such as Lesotho, already struggling with aid cuts and a high HIV burden, are hit hardest, facing a 50% tariff.

The South African government has labelled the tariffs “punitive” and pledged to seek redress, highlighting that South African automobile exports represent a negligible portion of the US market. However, the move signals a potential shift away from the US market.

Experts predict a significant negative impact on African economies reliant on US trade. Increased export costs will reduce competitiveness, potentially decreasing revenue and destabilising economies, particularly in agriculture and mineral extraction sectors. The rising costs are likely to increase living costs and lead to job losses across the continent.

Economists have long praised AGOA for opening the US market to African manufacturers, boosting exports in sectors like textiles and apparel. However, concerns remain about the program’s strict requirements, which often favored larger economies.

The looming expiration of AGOA in September, coupled with the new tariffs, has led analysts to declare the program effectively dead, although many African nations will likely attempt to maintain it in a diminished state. Many believe that the increased trade barriers will prompt African nations to increasingly turn to China, already Africa’s largest trading partner. This shift could reshape the continent’s economic landscape, with long-term consequences for both Africa and the US.

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