Senator Amara Konneh of Gbarpolu County has expressed deep concerns about the recent economic policies introduced by the US, including a significant tariff increase on Liberian exports. In a statement issued on April 2, 2025, Konneh outlined his analysis of US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 10% tariff on imports from developing economies like Liberia, marking a shift toward protectionism in the US’s global trade relationships.
Konneh argued that the new tariffs, introduced under the “Liberation Day” banner, do not consider the economic realities of low-income countries such as Liberia. He criticized the approach for disregarding factors like the fiscal circumstances of developing nations, the capacity of their institutions, and the availability of resources. In addition, Konneh pointed out that these tariffs fail to acknowledge the minimal tariffs Liberia currently applies to US exports and could hurt the relationship between the two countries, especially in light of reductions in US development assistance.
Konneh highlighted the modest size of Liberia’s exports to the US, which amounted to $72.5 million in 2024, primarily driven by rubber. Despite a 25.5% increase in exports compared to 2023, the senator noted that Liberia’s rubber production has faced challenges, with a significant decline in output over the past two years. He emphasized that while the tariff increase might only have a limited effect on Liberia’s overall GDP, the country’s key exports – including rubber, diamonds, and palm oil – could see rising costs, making Liberian goods less competitive in the US market.
The senator also drew attention to Liberia’s preferential treatment under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has allowed duty-free access for nearly 7,000 tariff lines, including agricultural goods, minerals, and manufactured items such as rubber. However, the new tariffs threaten to undermine these benefits, particularly if President Trump continues to upend trade agreements like AGOA. This could increase Liberian goods prices, disrupting trade patterns as buyers seek alternatives from countries with more favorable conditions.
Konneh warned that the economic impact could be devastating if the protectionist policies extend to Europe, Liberia’s largest trading partner. He pointed out that any increase in tariffs by countries like Switzerland, the UK, France, or Germany could severely shake Liberia’s economy, which is heavily dependent on exports to these regions.
Domestically, Konneh expressed concern about the potential ripple effects of the new tariffs, particularly in light of the fiscal pressures already faced by the Government of Liberia (GoL). The senator noted that increased taxes on petroleum products, goods, and services and cuts to USAID-funded projects have already placed a strain on households. To mitigate these effects, the GoL has implemented new revenue-generating measures, including a hike in the goods and services tax and additional charges on petroleum products. While these steps are necessary, Konneh emphasized the need for a broader strategy to cushion the impact on citizens, particularly in a country grappling with high unemployment and slow economic growth.
The senator also called on the government to intensify negotiations with major concessionaires, particularly in the mining sector, to ensure that Liberia maximizes the benefits of its national resources. Konneh urged President Boakai and his economic team to inform the public about the potential consequences of the tariff increase and explore ways to bolster Liberia’s trade position in the face of shifting global dynamics.
In conclusion, Konneh expressed optimism about future collaboration between Liberia and its international trading partners but stressed the importance of pursuing growth-oriented policies that prioritize the welfare of the Liberian people. As the country faces these economic challenges, the senator emphasized the need for effective strategies to ensure long-term stability and prosperity.
