Namibian exports hit by US tariffs

Beef, fish and several minerals are among the local products affected by the 21% tariffs imposed by the United States (US) on goods originating from Namibia.

International relations and trade minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi informed parliament on Tuesday that her ministry is conducting an assessment to determine how many products are affected by president Donald Trump’s tariff directive.

Trump’s administration imposed what it termed “reciprocal tariffs” of 21% on Namibian products, which took effect on 5 April.

“The products affected by this measure include beef, fish and a number of mineral products among others. As we all know, tariffs are a tax placed on imports and can raise the price for consumers in the importing country, leading to a decline in imports.

“The impact on Namibia thus means that, due to the price increases as a result of the general and reciprocal tariffs, a reduction in Namibian exports to the US is very likely,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.

She noted that Namibia exports a variety of products under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). It is a non-reciprocal agreement that provides preferential access to US markets for products originating from least-developed countries.

“We are deeply concerned about many aspects of the newly imposed US tariffs, including the lack of transparency and consultations with the affected countries prior to their implementations,” Ashipala-Musavyi said about the unilateral tariff directive.

The minister stated that her ministry is engaging stakeholders through the Namibia Trade Forum to obtain an accurate picture of Namibian exports to the US, which will help the government respond to the tariff directive.

In the meantime, the ministry has initiated and will continue discussions with the US embassy in Windhoek on the matter.

“Discussions through diplomatic channels with the US government will also seek a better understanding of their implementation in view of Namibia’s benefits under Agoa,” the minister said.

– Nampa