WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans on Tuesday to impose new import tariffs of over 10% on goods from a broad list of smaller nations, including several in Africa and the Caribbean, according to an AP report.
“We’ll likely implement a flat tariff—slightly over 10%—on imports from at least 100 countries,” Trump told reporters, indicating a uniform approach to trade duties for many developing economies.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick later clarified that the targeted countries primarily include those in Africa and the Caribbean. He noted that while these regions have relatively low trade volumes with the U.S., the move aligns with Trump’s broader effort to reduce America’s global trade deficit.
This announcement follows earlier notifications sent by the administration to around two dozen countries and the European Union, outlining new tariff rates set to take effect on August 1. These upcoming duties closely resemble the steep import taxes unveiled on April 2, which had sparked unease in global markets. In response, the administration had implemented a 90-day negotiation window that concluded on July 9.
Trump also revealed that new tariffs on pharmaceutical products are expected to be announced by the end of the month. These duties will begin at a lower rate, allowing drug companies a one-year grace period to establish domestic manufacturing operations before higher tariffs kick in. The president said similar measures would apply to computer chips, signaling increased pressure on high-tech imports.
Earlier, Trump had secured a trade agreement with Indonesia, reducing tariffs on Indonesian exports to 19% and offering U.S. companies full market access in return.
The latest round of tariffs marks a continuation of Trump’s aggressive trade policy, aimed at encouraging domestic production and rebalancing trade relationships, even if it means straining ties with long-standing trade partners.
