- UNCTAD calls for exemption of poorest countries from newly imposed 'reciprocal' tariffs
- 17 African nations could face severe economic consequences if tariffs are imposed
- Most of the affected African nations are low-income developing countries with limited export potential to the United States
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has called for the exemption of the world’s least developed countries (LDCs) —including 17 poorest African nations—from the newly imposed "reciprocal" tariffs.
17 poorest African nations likely to face heightened pressure from Trump’s tariffs
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The global trade body has warned that the world’s poorest nations —17 of them in Africa—could face severe economic consequences if the Trump administration moves forward with the tariffs, especially those already struggling with economic hardship..
These tariffs, announced by President Donald Trump, range from 11% to 50% and target 57 trading partners, including several African nations.
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UNCTAD’s recent report highlights that many of these countries contribute less than 0.1% to the U.S. trade deficit, yet are facing significant tariff increases.
In a report titled ‘Escalating Tariffs: The Impact on Small and Vulnerable Economies’, UNCTAD emphasized that the contribution of small and least developed countries to the United States trade deficit is minimal.
UNCTAD identified 28 nations targeted by the U.S. for higher tariffs than the 10% baseline, despite each contributing less than 0.1% to the U.S. trade deficit.
“For instance, 28 of these trading partners each contribute less than 0.1% of the total United States deficit. However, imposing ‘reciprocal tariffs’ on them will disproportionately affect their ability to export to the U.S. market,” the report stated.
These countries have limited or no export market opportunities for the United States, meaning trade concessions would have little impact on the U.S. while potentially reducing revenue collection for these nations.
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UNCTAD argues that these nations offer minimal, if any, export market opportunities for the U.S. and should not be subject to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration
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How poor African nations stand
Among the 28 nations affected by the new tariff measures, 17 are African countries, highlighting the stark disparity between these nations and the global economy.
Many of these countries are economically small or underdeveloped, with very low purchasing power.
The 17 affected African nations and their corresponding trade figures with the U.S. are outlined in the table below;
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| No. | Country | Contribution to U.S. Deficit | Reciprocal Tariff (90-day pause) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Angola | 0.95% | 32% |
| 2 | Libya | 0.07% | 31% |
| 3 | Namibia | 0.01% | 21% |
| 4 | Madagascar | 0.05% | 47% |
| 5 | DRC | 0.01% | 11% |
| 6 | Tunisia | 0.05% | 28% |
| 7 | Mozambique | 0.01% | 16% |
| 8 | Cameroon | 0.01% | 12% |
| 9 | Zambia | 0.00% | 17% |
| 10 | Côte d'Ivoire | 0.04% | 21% |
| 11 | Equatorial Guinea | 0.00% | 13% |
| 12 | Botswana | 0.02% | 38% |
| 13 | Zimbabwe | 0.00% | 18% |
| 14 | Chad | 0.00% | 13% |
| 15 | Lesotho | 0.02% | 50% |
| 16 | Malawi | 0.00% | 18% |
| 17 | Mauritius | 0.02% | 40% |
The UN report points out that most of the African nations on the list are low-income developing countries with limited export potential to the United States.
The table lists African countries that are subject to new U.S. "reciprocal" tariffs, despite their minimal contribution to the U.S. trade deficit.
For instance, Angola, the highest on the list, accounts for just 0.095% of the deficit but faces a 32% tariff. Others, like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), contribute only 0.01% and are still hit with an 11% tariff.
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Madagascar is hit particularly hard, facing a 47% tariff despite only contributing 0.05%.
These figures illustrate UNCTAD's concern: the countries targeted have limited trade influence but will bear a disproportionate burden from these tariffs.
Their already fragile economies risk further destabilization, while the U.S. gains almost nothing economically from such measures.
The UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) argues that these nations offer minimal, if any, export market opportunities for the U.S. and therefore should not be subject to the tariffs imposed by the Trump administration.
