President Donald Trump has announced a complete three-month pause on all the “reciprocal” tariffs that went into effect at midnight of April 9. Botswana was hit with 37% tariff after the Trump administration claimed that the country had a 74% tariff on US goods.
The US will only pause tariffs only on countries which have not imposed any retaliatory tariffs. However, the 10% baseline tariff imposed on all countries will remain including for Botswana. According to Trump, the pause is to allow countries to negotiate deals with the US.
But enormous tariffs will remain on China, the world’s second-largest economy. In fact, Trump said they will be increased to 125% from 104% after China announced additional retaliatory tariffs against the United States earlier Wednesday.
Trump added that countries were lining up to "kiss his ass" [sic] to make a deal following the imposition of the reciprocal tariffs.
As one of the fastest growing export markets for Botswana's diamonds, the US is an important destination for Botswana's stones. So important is the US market that in March, Minister of Minerals & Energy Bogolo Kenewendo was reportedly coddling American Gen Z influencers as Botswana looks to promote natural diamonds to the US market amid decreasing demand.