Trump Tariffs Slam Africa

Several African countries were hit by some of the highest tariffs announced by the White House on Wednesday, including levies of up to 50 on goods from Lesotho, 47 for Madagascar, 40 for Mauritius, 38 for Botswana and 31 for South Africa, the continents biggest exporter to the US.

Countries have reacted differently to US President Donald Trumps tariffs. South Africa said it urgently wants a new trade deal with the US, while Kenya said the 10 tariffs it faces could give it a competitive edge in textiles over worse-hit Asian rivals.

Many are already struggling with high poverty levels and debt. Madagascar faces food shortages caused by drought and exacerbated by cyclones. Tiny Lesotho has one of the worlds highest HIV/Aids infection rates.

The tariffs also compound the pain from Trumps dismantling of USAid, the government agency that provided much of the continents aid, and his administrations decision to cut bilateral assistance to South Africa.

Analysts were quick to predict that the US move would further bolster Chinas already dominant role as a trading partner and investor in Africa.