Trump’s Trade Deficit Focus Could Strain Africa-US Relations, Says Economist

Professor Carl LeVan, Chair of Politics, Governance, and Economics at the School of International Service, American University, has warned that the focus of the Trump administration on reducing trade deficits could have negative consequences for Africa-US relations. In an interview on the Toyin Falola Interviews broadcast, LeVan highlighted that the prioritization of trade deficits under the “America First” policy might strain Africa-US diplomatic ties and economic cooperation.

LeVan pointed to the significant decline in trade between Africa and the US, noting that trade fell from $9.2 billion under President Biden’s leadership to just $6 billion during Trump’s first term. This reduction, LeVan explained, is indicative of broader concerns about the sustainability of US policies, particularly in relation to the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has been key to US-Africa trade partnerships.

“The decline in trade signals deeper problems in the trade relationship and raises questions about whether these policies will continue to support mutually beneficial partnerships,” said LeVan. He emphasized that the trade-first approach could undermine the goals of AGOA, which was designed to promote equitable trade between the US and Africa.

LeVan also addressed Trump’s policies on diplomatic engagement, noting the administration’s rollback of the diaspora advisory council—an important platform for African-American relations—and controversial immigration measures such as restrictions on student visas. These actions, he suggested, reflected a broader disconnect between the US and the global community.

In addition, LeVan critiqued Trump’s protectionist trade policies, such as tariffs, which led to an overwhelming number of exemption requests. These policies, according to LeVan, served to strengthen elite interests in Washington at the expense of broader democratic processes, further complicating US relations with Africa.

LeVan raised concerns about the administration’s shift towards military assertiveness, particularly the increased US military presence at the Mexican border. This, he argued, signals a departure from diplomatic engagement and risks destabilizing international relations, especially in regions like the Sahel, where the US has been involved in counterterrorism operations.

The growing militarization of US foreign policy, LeVan warned, could complicate collaborative efforts to address Africa’s security challenges, particularly in the Sahel, which faces escalating threats from terrorist organizations.

LeVan concluded that the US’s increasing focus on tariffs and military power could have adverse effects on Africa’s economic growth and stability. He stressed the need for African nations to strategically navigate shifting power dynamics and ensure that their relationships with the US and other global actors remain beneficial.