United States imposes 30% tariff on Algerian exports starting August 2025

Wednesday 16 July 2025 - 17:30

The U.S. government, under President Donald Trump, has announced a 30% customs surcharge on all products imported from Algeria, effective August 1, 2025. The decision was communicated in a formal letter sent to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune as part of a broader trade policy shift targeting several countries.

According to the White House, this measure addresses what the U.S. sees as an unbalanced trade relationship. In 2024, Algeria exported over $2.5 billion worth of goods to the U.S., mainly crude and refined petroleum, while importing only $1 billion in American products. The new tariff aims to reduce this $1.5 billion trade surplus in Algeria’s favor.

Trump’s letter warned that any retaliatory tariffs by Algeria would result in further increases. For instance, steel products will now face a combined 80% duty — 30% general tariff and an additional 50% steel-specific tax — making Algerian exports like cement, rebar, and fertilizers far less competitive.

Unless Algeria lowers its own import duties, which average 59% on U.S. goods, Washington is unlikely to reconsider. Analysts suggest that countries such as Nigeria, which face only a 10–14% tariff, may gain market share at Algeria’s expense.

This decision is part of a wider overhaul of U.S. global trade relations. South Africa and Tunisia are also affected, facing 30% and 25% surcharges respectively. Trump emphasized that no extensions will be granted, marking a strict deadline for trade negotiations.

With the global market watching closely, Algeria must now reassess its export strategies — especially in energy — to remain competitive under this new tariff landscape.