Trump accuses Tunisian president of being “unfair” with tariffs
US President Donald Trump has accused Tunisian President Kais Saied of enforcing “unfair trade practices,” citing US product tariffs that sometimes exceed 50 percent, as reported by The New Arab on July 10th.
In the letter dated July 7th in which Trump made his comment, he likewise warned that any retaliation would prompt a matching response, stating, “These tariffs may be modified upward or downward, depending on our relationship.”
Trump has announced new tariffs targeting multiple nations, including Tunisia, triggering alarm over the possible impact on the country’s already fragile export economy.
The US will impose a 10 percent tariff from July 8th, allowing room for negotiations. If talks fail, Washington will increase the rate to 25 percent by August. The measure forms part of Trump’s broader “economic liberation” agenda aimed at correcting a perceived long-standing trade imbalances.
Back in April, US officials had threatened a 28 percent tariff on Tunisian imports. The staggered rollout now appears to offer an opening for dialogue, though Tunisia has yet to issue an official response. A high-level meeting at the Carthage Palace following Trump’s letter omitted any mention of the tariffs.
Economic experts warn of serious consequences for Tunisia’s key export sectors. In 2024, US–Tunisia trade reached $1.65 billion, up from $1.3 billion in 2022. Tunisia’s olive oil and food exports, particularly to the US, now face the heaviest blow.
“Tunisia is a major producer and exporter of olive oil, but not a consumer,” said Khalid Laabidi. “This would impact the agricultural value chain, from smallholder farmers to exporters.”
Marouane Ben Jemaa, head of the Tunisian-American Chamber of Commerce, confirmed ongoing talks to reduce the tariff. “We already have a solid case and negotiations have started,” he told Mosaique FM.
Analyst Hamza Meddeb warned that Tunisia’s continued silence risks weakening its position. “The new tariffs will add to Tunisia’s growing sense of isolation and vulnerability on the international stage.”
The New Arab, Maghrebi.org, Olive Oil Times
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