Washington, D.C.—President Donald Trump has reignited the global trade war with a 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks, starting April 3. Pitched as a move to protect American industry, the policy could devastate Africa’s already fragile trade ecosystem.
South Africa, one of the continent’s few auto manufacturing hubs, exports more than 60% of its vehicles abroad. New U.S. tariffs could make these exports uncompetitive, forcing factories to slash jobs and governments to lose vital tax revenue.
But the pain doesn’t end there.
Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Ethiopia are among the largest importers of used vehicles—most of which come via supply chains that will now be disrupted by new pricing instability. Africa’s cities rely heavily on affordable imports to power transport systems and small businesses. Trump’s policy will cause ripple effects that hurt Africa’s poorest consumers the most.
It’s a contradiction that should not be ignored. The same United States that touts AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act) as proof of its commitment to African growth is simultaneously undermining African trade through protectionism.
This is not about cars. This is about a world that treats Africa as a side effect.
Africa must accelerate intra-continental trade and reduce dependence on erratic Western policies. If Washington slams the door, we must open others—within our own borders.
