Africa on edge as Trump tariffs loom, China courts discontented partners

African nations are racing against time to renegotiate trade terms with the United States,as sweeping tariffs — initially set to begin 1 August — now loom for 7 August following a last-minute executive order by President Donald Trump.

Trump’s latest executive order slaps a uniform 15% tariff on most African exports — threatening industries from textiles to agriculture — and upending decades of preferential treatment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Countries like South Africa,Tunisia,and Algeria face even harsher rates of up to 30%. The tariffs replace duty-free access previously granted under the AGOA,shaking trade-dependent economies. Lesotho,one of AGOA’s biggest beneficiaries,has declared a state of disaster,citing thousands of textile jobs at risk. Tunisia’s craft sector also braces for a blow,with 80% of artisan goods destined for the U.S.

While some nations were spared the highest proposed rates — Lesotho was once facing a crippling 50% duty — the damage is still severe. South Africa’s citrus growers warn that the U.S. hike could leave fruit rotting in pack-houses,while the auto sector fears disinvestment. As uncertainty swirls,China is positioning itself as an alternative,offering tariff-free deals and expanding trade ties,according to a new article by CNN. “We (Africa) are going straight into the hands of China,” Nigerian economist Bismarck Rewane told the US. broadcaster. But analysts caution that over-reliance on China may expose Africa to new vulnerabilities,including market flooding and skewed trade terms. With the 7 August deadline looming,African leaders — largely sidelined in recent U.S. negotiations — face tough choices: secure relief from Washington or pivot decisively toward Beijing.