Trump's Tariffs Raise Concerns for Global Trade

President Donald Trump has signed executive orders imposing 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, raising concerns about potential price increases in the auto industry. Trump also suggested future tariffs on automobiles, which could be implemented as early as April 2, with industry leaders cautiously supporting a review of vehicle imports. The US administration aims for reciprocal tariffs to address trade imbalances, specifically targeting the EU and other trading partners with higher import duties than the US. The potential lapse of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) threatens South Africa's auto exports to the US, risking thousands of jobs. Growing tensions between the US and South Africa, including a US aid freeze, could destabilize Southern African economies, particularly impacting Namibia. These trade policies mark a departure from WTO norms, potentially sparking global trade negotiations and economic disruptions.