- Tsaone Segaetsho
President Duma Boko has disclosed that his administration is actively negotiating with the United States to eliminate the 37 per cent tariffs currently imposed on Botswana’s exports, a legacy of former US President Donald Trump’s trade policies.
Addressing reporters recently, Boko reiterated his commitment to achieving a zero-tariff regime between the two nations, stating he would seize any diplomatic opportunity to present Botswana’s case directly to Trump.
Botswana is among several African countries affected by what has come to be known as the “Liberation Day tariffs.” Signed into effect on 02 April 2025 by Trump, the order targeted countries with significant trade surpluses with the US, citing concerns over long-standing imbalances in trade flows.
Botswana ranks third among the hardest-hit African countries, with Lesotho facing the steepest tariff at 49 per cent, followed by Mauritius at 40 per cent, Botswana at 37 per cent, and South Africa at 30 per cent. The United States is a key market for Botswana’s diamond exports, which form the backbone of the country’s economy.
The tariffs are currently under a temporary moratorium, due to expire on 9 July 2025 — a development that President Boko said is deeply concerning. “We are working around the clock, and if Donald Trump calls us on the matter, I will not hesitate to respond,” he affirmed.
Boko further revealed that during his initial visit to the United States, he met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where Botswana’s position on trade was clearly communicated. “We have asked for zero tariffs between Botswana and the United States. That is what we’ve asked for, and we’ve stated it plainly. We will continue to articulate and defend this position to the United States,” he said.
He acknowledged that the US government has expressed concerns over both the volume and the imbalance of trade. According to Boko, American officials argue that while Botswana’s goods enjoy access to the US market, American exports and services are not making reciprocal inroads into Botswana.
“Because of this trade imbalance, they argue that we must be subjected to tariffs. It’s a reality we must acknowledge and engage on with the Americans,” Boko said.
The Botswana government’s efforts signal a proactive diplomatic and economic strategy aimed at preserving access to key markets while seeking to rebalance its trade relationships in a manner beneficial to national interests.
