Kenya Spared as Trump Imposes New Tariffs on 69 Countries
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U.S. President Donald Trump has announced new steep tariffs targeting 69 countries in a sweeping trade order aimed at addressing what he called national security and economic imbalances. The move, which takes effect in seven days, sets import duties ranging between 10 and 41 percent on affected nations. Notably, Kenya is not among the listed countries.
Why is Trump introducing these new tariffs?
In his statement, Trump said the decision stems from the failure of certain countries to engage the U.S. in meaningful economic or national security negotiations.
“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,” said President Trump.
He further noted that some nations that had engaged in talks “offered terms that, in his judgment, do not sufficiently address imbalances in their trading relationship.”
Which African countries are affected?
Among African nations, Uganda is the only East African country listed, facing a 15 percent reciprocal tariff. Several others will also see significant trade impacts, including:
South Africa, Algeria, and Libya at 30 percent
Tunisia at 25 percent
A group of countries, including Angola, Cameroon, DR Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, will be hit with 15 percent tariffs
This marks a significant escalation in trade restrictions that could impact exports and foreign earnings across the continent.
Who are the worst-hit countries globally?
Outside of Africa, the countries facing the harshest tariffs include:
Syria with the highest rate at 41 percent
Laos and Myanmar at 40 percent
Switzerland at 39 percent
Iraq and Serbia each are at 35 percent
Bosnia and Herzegovina at 30 percent
Additionally, all other non-listed countries will be subject to a 10 percent import tax when trading with the U.S., creating a wide-reaching shift in global trade dynamics.
While Kenya remains off the list for now, the broader effects of these tariffs could reshape international trade routes, regional supply chains, and future diplomatic engagements with the United States.
By Risper Akinyi
