On April 2nd, 2025, US President Donald Trump announced the introduction of “reciprocal” tariffs on imports from many countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, which is being charged an initial rate of 21%, falling to 10% since the recent announcement of a 90-day suspension of these initial rates. This decision comes at a time when bilateral trade between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire is enjoying significant growth. In fact, in 2024, trade between the two countries reached $1.6 billion. U.S. exports to Côte d’Ivoire represented $596.6 million, while Ivorian imports to the U.S. were valued at $1.0 billion, generating a trade surplus of $418.1 million for Côte d’Ivoire.
Potential impact of the U.S. decision
If the American government decides to suspend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), it may significantly impact ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing access to the US market. This new regulation could weaken economic relations between the two countries, requiring increased efforts in terms of negotiations to preserve the benefits previously acquired under AGOA.
Ivorian exporters, especially those in agriculture and agro-industry, are likely to face significant challenges from this new tariff measure, which may lead to a considerable decrease in the volume of goods exported to the United States. Key Ivorian exports to the United States include cocoa, rubber, nuts, and tropical fruits, which are particularly vulnerable to these new tariffs.
This could lead to substantial financial losses, reduced profit margins and, ultimately, a forced reorientation of business activities towards other markets.
Possible measures to mitigate impact
In light of these challenges, several solutions can be proposed to lessen the effect of these pricing measures. Côte d’Ivoire should focus on rapidly diversifying its markets, especially by taking full advantage of the opportunities provided by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This initiative promotes intra-African trade and creates new business possibilities for Ivorian companies.
Simultaneously, investing in the local processing of raw materials would help to diversify Côte d’Ivoire’s product offering, limiting its dependence on these traditional markets.
Finally, at the diplomatic level, Côte d’Ivoire could take advantage of President Trump’s willingness to engage in bilateral discussions with U.S. authorities. This could allow the country to negotiate specific exemptions or seek a possible reduction of the new tariffs.
