### American customs duties in Africa: a complex issue for vulnerable economies
Since the return to power of Donald Trump, American trade policy has experienced significant adjustments. Among these, the taxation of customs duties raised in several African countries, including rates reaching up to 50 % for Lesotho, raises crucial questions concerning the impact on the economies of the continent. Although Trump temporarily suspended these measures for three months, uncertainty remains on the future leadership of American trade policy with regard to Africa.
#### Economic and diplomatic context
The commercial framework between the United States and Africa has long been governed by specific agreements, such as AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), which aims to stimulate trade and investments by providing preferential access to American markets for certain African products. This legislation has enabled several African nations to embark on the path of economic growth, by facilitating the export of textiles, agricultural products and other goods.
However, with the intensification of the trade war between the United States and China, Africa is sometimes found in a delicate position. High customs duties could not only reduce access to African products to the American market, but also destabilize supply and production chains. Countries, often already weakened by internal economic problems, may have trouble absorbing these external shocks.
### E analysis of the consequences of new customs duties
The consequences of these commercial policies are multiple and complex. On the one hand, the imposition of customs tariffs can directly affect African exporters, increasing the cost of their products on the American market. This could lead to a drop in exports, thus harming job creation and the annuity of African governments, which often depend on the tax revenues generated by these activities.
On the other hand, these measures also encourage reflection on the economic diversification of African countries. In the event of export obstacles to the United States, nations may be pushed to turn to other markets, in particular by strengthening their trade relations with China or other emerging countries. The creation of the continental African free trade area (ZLECAF) is part of this dynamic, aimed at encouraging intra-African trade as a response to dependence on external markets.
### The role of African institutions
African institutions have a crucial role to play in this context. It is vital that they develop strategies aimed at alleviating the impacts of customs duties by strengthening innovation, local industry and infrastructure. Cooperation between African countries to improve exchanges and competitiveness of regional products can help create a more resilient commercial environment.
In addition, these institutions could intensify dialogue with the United States to seek to obtain exemptions or adjustments to pricing policies, while strengthening their position in commercial negotiations. It is essential to reflect on approaches that promote both economic security and the integration of African economies on the world scene.
#### to a scalable roadmap
In short, the customs duties imposed by the United States on several African countries highlight the importance of a re-examination of trade relations, both at the bilateral and insra-African level. It would be beneficial to initiate an in -depth dialogue on these questions, in order to identify sustainable solutions which benefit all the parties concerned. How can African countries better prepare to face the challenges of an increasingly unstable commercial environment? What avenues of action can be envisaged to establish more balanced and secure trade relations?
These questions are essential at present. The situation requires a thoughtful approach, which takes into account the aspirations of African nations while sailing in the landscape of global trade policy.