9 May 2025, AMIE
International trade tariffs play a pivotal role in shaping global commerce. They are essential for maintaining market competitiveness and protecting local industries. However, their impact can be particularly pronounced for developing countries.
The US’s recent “America First” protectionist stance has reverberated around the globe, prompting retaliatory tariffs from nations like China and Canada, while trade discussions are underway among 75 other countries. South Africa is feeling the pinch from the US tariff increases, facing the risk of being sidelined from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). This raises important questions: What purpose do tariffs serve? What does the current landscape for the meat trade look like? And what opportunities and long-term consequences might arise from these policies?
