Zimbabwe and Other Countries Offer to Drop Tariffs on US Goods Amid Trump's Reciprocal Trade Policy

Alexis Rowe

Alexis Rowe

April 10, 2025 · 3 min read
Zimbabwe and Other Countries Offer to Drop Tariffs on US Goods Amid Trump's Reciprocal Trade Policy

In a surprising move, several countries have offered to drop all tariffs on US goods in response to President Donald Trump's sweeping policy of reciprocal import tariffs, which targets over 180 countries worldwide. The policy, announced by Trump as "Liberation Day," aims to end what he calls unfair trade practices by imposing equal or similar duties on imports from countries that impose high tariffs on US goods.

The announcement sent shockwaves through global markets and governments, triggering threats of retaliation, calls for negotiation, and sharp declines in global stock markets. However, in a surprising twist, Trump has announced a 90-day pause on the imposition of new tariffs in several countries, signaling a potential window for diplomacy.

Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Vietnam are among the countries that have offered to eliminate all tariffs on US goods in a bid to avoid being targeted by the new trade measures. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the suspension of tariffs on US imports, citing the need to "facilitate the expansion of American imports into the Zimbabwean market, while also promoting the growth of Zimbabwean exports to the United States."

Zambia, which had already offered to eliminate all tariffs on US goods, is seeking to avoid being targeted by the new trade measures. Vietnam, which was hit with a steep 46% duty, one of the highest announced by the Trump administration, has also offered to remove all tariffs on US imports. The move is particularly significant for Vietnam, as exports to the US account for around 30% of its GDP.

Taiwan has adopted a conciliatory tone, with President Lai Ching-te offering a zero-tariff framework as the foundation for renewed trade talks with the US. Israel, despite lifting all remaining duties on US imports, was still hit with a 17% tariff, which could result in an annual loss of $2.3 billion and potentially put between 18,000 and 26,000 jobs at risk.

The implications of these developments are far-reaching, with potential consequences for global trade dynamics, economic growth, and job markets. As the world watches the unfolding drama, one thing is clear: the era of reciprocal trade tariffs has begun, and countries are scrambling to adapt to the new reality.

The pause in the imposition of new tariffs offers a glimmer of hope for diplomacy, but it remains to be seen whether countries can negotiate their way out of the trade tensions. As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the world will be watching closely to see how this drama unfolds.

In the meantime, the impact of the reciprocal trade tariffs policy will be felt across the globe, with countries like Cambodia, where US trade makes up roughly a quarter of GDP, particularly vulnerable. As the stakes continue to rise, the question on everyone's mind is: what's next for global trade?

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