Calle Schlettwein on increased US tarrifs

[PODCAST]

The United States has announced a sweeping increase in import tariffs across all its trading partners, including Namibia, which will now face a reciprocal tariff of 21%. This move comes as part of the U.S. government’s strategy to counter global trade imbalances, reshore manufacturing, and stimulate domestic economic growth.

Reciprocal tariffs mean that the U.S. will impose tariffs on foreign goods at the same rate those countries levy on American products. Given that Namibia currently imposes a 42% tariff on U.S. imports, this policy shift could have significant implications for trade between the two nations.

But just how damaging could this tariff escalation be? Will it disrupt global trade and economic stability?

To unpack the potential consequences of this trade war, we were joined by former Finance and Trade minister Calle Schlettwein.