African Countries Desperate to Avoid Trump’s Latest Tariff Deadline

Nations in Africa are confident that deals can be reached with the U.S. government to avoid higher tariffs on Aug. 1.

President Donald Trump hands papers to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on May 21, 2025. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG—African countries targeted in President Donald Trump’s latest effort to gain better economic deals for the United States say they have a lot to offer the world’s largest economy but that they need more time to negotiate new trade agreements with Washington.

The U.S. leader sent almost identical letters to 21 countries on July 7 and July 9 using his Truth Social platform, saying higher tariffs on their exports to the United States will begin on Aug. 1, unless they “move things along.”