UNCTAD Warns: Reciprocal Tariffs Threaten Vulnerable Developing EconomiesNew York, 15 Apr (ONA) — The UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD)
called for exempting the poorest and most vulnerable economies from
reciprocal tariffs.

US President Donald Trump imposed steep import tariffs from 11% to
50% on 57 trading partners – including the European Union – on 9 April 2025 only to pause the duties hours later for 90 days for all of them
but China. The pause has cut the rate for those states to 10%, a
level he had imposed on nearly all other countries.

In its report, entitled “Escalating Tariffs: the Impact on Small and
Vulnerable Economies”, UNCTAD warned that in many cases, reciprocal
tariffs risk devastating developing and least developed economies,
without significantly reducing trade deficits or increasing revenue
collection for the United States.

The 57 trading partners concerned – 11 of them least developed
countries – contribute minimally to US trade deficits, the UN Trade
and Development noted, adding that 28 out of these 57 trading
partners each account for less than 0.1% of the deficits yet could
still be subject to reciprocal tariffs.

Over the years, a rules-based global trading system has boosted
international commerce and contributed to a gradual, steady decline
in tariffs – a tax that countries levy on imported goods. In 2023,
about two thirds of world trade occurred without tariffs, UNCTAD
said.

In contrast, a sweeping spate of steeper tariffs recently introduced
by major economies are raising concerns over escalating trade
tensions and their impact on developing countries.— Ends/Khalid