Kenya Exempted from Harsh U.S. Tariffs as Trump Targets Global Trade Rivals
Kenyan exporters have received a welcome reprieve after the United States, under President Donald Trump’s administration, excluded Kenya from a sweeping wave of new import tariffs affecting several countries across the globe.
In a move announced on Thursday, July 31, the U.S. imposed additional tariffs—ranging between 10% and 41%, on a list of major trading partners including Brazil, India, Japan, Israel, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland. The White House says the new tariffs are part of a broader strategy aimed at correcting trade imbalances and reshaping global economic relations.
While many African countries were hit by the new measures, Kenya escaped inclusion in this latest round. Countries such as South Africa and Algeria were slapped with a 30% tariff, while others, including Ghana, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Botswana, and Cameroon, faced a 15% hike.
Closer to home, Uganda was the only East African country listed in the executive order, while Kenya remained exempt. Goods from unlisted countries, including Kenya, will still be subject to a standard 10% import duty, but will avoid the increased penalties.
The new tariffs, according to Executive Order 14257 signed by President Trump, are designed to compel foreign governments to respond more favorably to U.S. trade demands.
“The Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative shall recommend additional action, if necessary, should a foreign trading partner fail to take adequate steps to address the emergency declared in Executive Order 14257,” the order states.
The duties are set to take effect seven days after the signing of the executive order. However, any goods shipped before August 7 from affected countries will be exempt from the revised rates.
The announcement comes amid tense global trade negotiations and is likely to spark reactions among affected economies. For Kenya, however, the exemption may signal continued favorable relations with the U.S. under ongoing bilateral agreements.
