A US federal court has struck down key elements of President Donald Trump’s controversial tariff regime, a ruling that could bring economic relief to African nations caught in the crossfire of the global trade war.
The US Court of International Trade in Manhattan on Wednesday ruled that Trump’s sweeping tariffs on imports exceeded his legal authority and violated Congress’ trade oversight.
The court issued a permanent injunction, halting enforcement of the tariffs, although the Trump administration has appealed the decision, leaving its final fate uncertain.
While Trump’s tariff policies primarily targeted China and key trading partners, they also disrupted African economies, particularly Lesotho, which depends on exports to the US through the African Growth and Opportunity Act.
The administration’s broad 10 percent tariff on multiple imports compounded issues for small economies like Lesotho, which relies on duty-free access for textiles and agricultural products.
Industry leaders argued that the tariffs reduced competitiveness, threatened supply chains and undermined investment prospects for African manufacturers.
The lawsuit – filed by the Texas-based Liberty Justice Center on behalf of small businesses – argued that the tariffs imposed financial hardship on US importers and went beyond presidential powers outlined in trade law.
The three-judge panel unanimously ruled that Trump misused the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, stating that the law does not provide the president with authority to impose retaliatory tariffs.
If Trump’s appeal fails, the court’s decision would dismantle significant portions of his tariff regime, potentially restoring more predictable trade conditions for nations affected by his protectionist policies.
The punitive measures have dealt a particularly heavy blow to six Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states, with Lesotho facing a staggering 50 percent levy imposed on its exports to the US, primarily textiles.
Madagascar follows closely with a 47 percent tariff while Mauritius faces a 40 percent levy.
Other SADC nations affected include Botswana (37 percent), South Africa (30 percent) and Namibia (21 percent).
Other African nations affected include Algeria (30 percent), Tunisia (28 percent), Côte d’Ivoire (21 percent) and Nigeria (14 percent). Egypt, Morocco and Ghana face a 10 percent tariff each.
JN/APA