Summary:

On 2 April 2025, US President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imported good from numerous countries, including Tunisia. These customs duties vary, but none are less than 10%.  

Beginning on 9 April, Tunisian products will be subject to a 28% tax, with the current US administration assessing that Tunisia currently imposes a 55% tax on imported American products. 

The move is part of what President Trump called a “declaration of economic independence” or “Liberation Day”. Foreign products will be taxed at a minimum of 10%, with much higher rates for countries accused by the Trump administration of unfair trade practices. 

Similarly, other Maghreb countries are affected by these tariffs, with Algeria enduring a 30% tariff and Morocco subjected to a 10% tariff. 

In response, the American Chamber of Commerce in Tunisia (AmCham Tunisia) reacted to this decision, reaffirming its commitment to close dialogue with the Tunisian and American authorities, with a view to preserving a stable, predictable, and mutually beneficial commercial framework. 

Outlook: 

This US tariff implementation on Tunisian products could strain US-Tunisia relations, especially if Tunisia perceives them as unfair, potentially leading to diplomatic tension between the two countries. 

Tunisia might experience reduced export revenues, challenging its trade balance and economic growth. While this may lead to more creative solutions in the medium and long term, it could create significant challenges to businesses operating internationally from and with Tunisia. 

As the impacts of the new US tariffs are felt over the coming months, vulnerable economics like that of Tunisia risk significant blowback, particularly if the broader global economy moves toward a recession. The likelihood of a recession has risen, according to some economists, as global markets have seen a major selloff and loss of value. 

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