> Let's Forward this Post Everywhere ❕ *US Reviewing Zimbabwe Proposal to Ease Trade Tariffs* https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDkMuTFCCoNC13vvo2V _*©Eragon Online News*_ *_(Follow this channel to read more...)_* *Group Link:* https://chat.whatsapp.com/CDyzvhE1ey5H89lorhyIvn By Debra Matabvu, Sunday Mail - THE United States government is reviewing a formal proposal from Zimbabwe seeking to establish a more balanced trade relationship between Harare and Washington by reducing reciprocal tariffs between the two countries, US Ambassador to Zimbabwe Pamela Tremont has confirmed. In April, Zimbabwe opened direct negotiations with Washington to push for a reduction of the 18 percent tariff imposed on local exports into the US. Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube initiated direct talks with both the US Treasury and officials on Capitol Hill — the seat of the US government — while attending the 2025 International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington. He advocated for a lower tariff regime that would enhance Zimbabwe’s trade competitiveness. Washington has since paused the 18 percent tariffs for 90 days while negotiations continue. In an interview with The Sunday Mail, Ambassador Tremont said the US is currently reviewing Zimbabwe’s offer to determine if a mutually beneficial agreement can be reached. “We have received an offer from the Government of Zimbabwe on how to come to a deal that will benefit both of us, and we are exploring exactly the details of that deal so that we can hopefully find a more even-handed solution for both of us,” she said. The US’ tariff policy, she said, aims to create more balanced trade relationships with other countries after years of offering preferential access to US markets without reciprocal arrangements. “Well, the US has had one of the most open economies in the world for some time, and we often offer preferential trade access to US markets that are not reciprocated. “So, under President Trump, he is trying to level that playing field and make it a little bit more fair. “And so, at the moment, the 18 percent (tariff levied on Zimbabwe) is paused.” The Trump administration imposed tariffs on all its trading partners ostensibly to promote fair trade, amid concerns in Washington that US markets were offering open access to countries that maintained high import charges on American goods. “But there is a lot more to tariffs than just the import tariffs,” she added. “For example, in Zimbabwe, to import a vehicle involves import charges and surcharges and tariffs and taxes and import duties. “And to import a vehicle here can be 60 percent on top of the purchase price. “So, by that standard, even 18 percent is quite a generous offer, I think. “So, we need to have discussions about how we can make that more reciprocal for both of us.” Despite the relatively low trade volumes between Zimbabwe and the US — with bilateral trade topping US$112 million in 2024 — Amb Tremont said there was room for growth. “Well, unfortunately, the trade volume isn’t very large,” she said. “It was only about US$112 million last year, or something like that. “But the good news is that it means there is a lot of room for growth. “The US imports mostly agricultural products and ferroalloys, which are obviously a mining export. “And Zimbabwe mostly imports machinery from the US and some processed foods. “But there is obviously a lot of room for other trade and investment opportunities in such a small number.” Amb Tremont said it was unlikely a final agreement between Harare and Washington would be reached within a short period, given the complexity of trade negotiations and the US government’s ongoing discussions with many other countries. “Well, Washington is intrigued, and we are open to having discussions with all countries on how to find a more reciprocal balance of trade tariffs, among other charges,” she said. “But as I said, there is a long line of countries that have made offers, and so it’s going to take some time for us to really dig into the details and come to a conclusion on this one.” She added: “And unfortunately, because we have negotiations with so many countries, I think that 90 days will probably expire before we come to an agreement in Zimbabwe. So, I think we are all in a hurry to make this happen as quickly as possible. “But anybody who knows anything about trade negotiations knows that they don’t happen overnight. “And when you are trying to do it with 100 countries all at once, there is a bit of a backlog, I am afraid.” On April 9, President Trump announced a three-month pause on some of the new “reciprocal” tariffs his administration had imposed on dozens of countries. However, the minimum 10 percent tariff introduced on April 5 remains in effect for goods from all countries, including Zimbabwe. Sunday Mail