Zimbabwe has responded to the U.S.’s newly announced global tariffs, with the country becoming the first to pledge to suspend taxes on American goods.
The move, following President Donald Trump’s tariff declaration last week, is aimed at fostering a “positive relationship” between the two nations.
“In the spirit of constructing a mutually beneficial and positive relationship with the United States of America, I will direct the Zimbabwean government to implement a suspension of all tariffs levied on goods originating from the United States,’’ Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa wrote on X on Saturday — three days after Trump imposed 18% tariffs on Harare’s exports, mainly tobacco and rice.
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“This measure is intended to facilitate the expansion of American imports within the Zimbabwean market while promoting the growth of Zimbabwean exports destined for the United States,” Mnangagwa said.
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“The principle of reciprocal tariffs, as a tool for safeguarding domestic employment and industrial sectors, holds merit,’’ the African nation’s president said.
“However, the Republic of Zimbabwe maintains a policy of fostering amicable relations with all nations, and cultivating adversarial relationships with none.”
The Trump administration has yet to comment on Zimbabwe’s decision to suspend taxes on U.S. goods, following President Trump’s recent global tariff announcement.
Trump previously claimed Vietnam was nearing a similar move, while Taiwan had also shown willingness.
Israel dropped its tariffs ahead of Trump’s April 2 “Liberation Day” announcement, but still faced a new 17% U.S. tariff.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with former President Trump at the White House on Monday to negotiate tariffs and discuss the ongoing Middle East conflict and other pressing issues.
According to U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, around 50 countries have already contacted the White House seeking deals ahead of the sweeping tariffs, which are set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday.
