Ethiopia Pushes Back, Prepares to Negotiate Trump’s “Beautiful Tariff”

Ethiopia, which is not currently part of the AGOA agreement, is preparing to enter negotiations with the United States under a new tariff framework following the enactment of President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes a 10% import duty affecting countries including Ethiopia.

In an exclusive interview with The Reporter, Zerihun Abera, the ministry’s acting executive director for international and regional trade integration, said that the talks are taking place in the midst of the 10% duty imposed by the U.S. on imports from various countries including Ethiopia.

He added that the minister will enter into negotiations under this framework to ensure the benefits Ethiopia so far lost due to AGOA.

Moreover, Zerihun mentioned that the US has expressed its interest in agriculture, industry and other sectors selected for tariff increases in relation to Ethiopia, also adding that preparations have begun on how the increase will be implemented while protecting Ethiopia’s interests. The 10% tariff increase, he said, is not solely driven by U.S. interests. The adjustment will not be applied all at once, but rather after both countries submit the necessary documents, a joint technical committee is formed, and negotiations take place. He indicated that a document regarding this will be prepared and sent to the U.S. through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The ten percent tariff imposed by the US will bring the average down to ten percent overall. This will allow for strategic negotiations to be held to determine the tariff for each product separately, while protecting Ethiopia’s interests,” he added.

President Donald Trump has characterized tariffs as “the most beautiful word in the dictionary,” a sentiment he reiterated in every of his speech. He  announced a 10% tariff on imports from nearly all countries, effective April 5, 2025. Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives have passed the “One Big Beautiful Bill”, an enormous tax cut and spending package that represents a pillar of President Donald Trump’s agenda.