International Relations and Trade Minister Selma Ashipala-Musavyi says the United States' new tariff policy is likely to reduce Namibian exports to the North American country.

US President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on 60 countries, including Namibia, which will now pay 21 percent more to export goods to the US.

Delivering a ministerial statement in the National Assembly this afternoon, Ashipala-Musavyi expressed deep concern over several aspects of the newly introduced tariffs, including the lack of transparency and consultations with affected countries before implementation.

"This unilateral action contradicts the principles of the multilateral trading system, which emphasize transparency and prior engagement before members enact decisions that may impact other WTO members."

As part of this new tariff policy, reciprocal tariffs on 57 countries with which the US claims trade deficits will take effect on Wednesday, April 9.

"For Namibia, the US will impose reciprocal tariffs of 21%; a reduction in Namibian exports to the United States is very likely."

Ashipala-Musavyi stated that the US action has added volatility and uncertainty to the global trading system, undermining commitments under the World Trade Organization and those made by the US under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

AGOA is a non-reciprocal agreement supporting qualifying developing and least developed countries in Africa by providing preferential access to US markets.

Unfortunately, the general and reciprocal tariffs on our exports could hinder efforts to extend this arrangement beyond 2025.

The minister also stated that the government will continue to engage Namibian stakeholders through the Namibia Trade Forum to obtain trade statistics and ensure an evidence-based response.

The Ministry of International Relations and Trade has also initiated discussions with the US Embassy in Windhoek on the matter.