Trump tariffs 'inexplicably cruel' for Africa
Some of the world's poorest countries, including nations grappling with protracted humanitarian crises, are among those most affected by US President Donald Trump's new trade tariffs regime, which has compounded pre-existing economic strains and debt woes. Asian markets will be particularly hard hit, including imports to the US from Myanmar to be charged at 45%, and Bangladesh at 37%. Big charges were also imposed on fragile economies in the Middle East and North Africa, with Syria at 41%, Libya at 31%, and Iraq at 39%. But among the worst effects will likely be felt in Africa, where Trump's decision has created an "inexplicably cruel situation," according to the Center for Global Development (CGD). "It is hard to fathom that the administration set out to destabilize poor African countries and unclear what they hope to gain," wrote CGD researchers. The tariffs have effectively tanked the African Growth & Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allowed duty-free imports to the US for 32 countries and was credited with helping economic growth. Lesotho and Madagascar could be among the Trump tariffs' biggest losers, CGD predicted. Amid existential financial worries in the international aid sector—triggered by Trump's closure of USAID—economists have also raised the possibility of a global trade war, with far-reaching ramifications for inflation and the cost of living worldwide.
From The New Humanitarian, April 4
Note: Fluctuations in the price of oil and grain since the start of the Ukraine war in 2022 have contributed to popular privation and unrest worldwide.
Trump to pause tariff hikes for 90 days —but not for China
President Trump abruptly announced April 9 that he will pause big hikes on tariffs for most countries for 90 days—except for China. Most countries will be left with 10% tariffs on their exports to the United States, while China—which had retaliated against Trump's moves—will now face tariffs of 125%. (CNN)
Refugees in Kenya protest aid cuts
Food distribution has been suspended and aid workers have left Kenya's northeastern Dadaab refugee complex following a clash close by May 8 between Kenyan security forces and the insurgent group al-Shabab. The suspension comes as refugees staged a peaceful protest earlier in the week over USAID funding cuts, which have sharply reduced food rations and access to water, healthcare, and education. The World Food Program has snipped the basic minimum ration by 40%, providing just three kilograms of sorghum and rice per person per month—without beans and oil. A lack of fuel now means that boreholes in the three-camp complex of roughly 500,000 refugees pump water for only an hour a day: The protesting refugees also cited the lack of drugs in clinics and the inability of the cash-strapped UN refugee agency to register secondary school students. Refugees that had been employed by NGOs are also facing widespread layoffs. (TNH)