Africa concerned over dispute

Africa is watching with concern the trade tensions sparked last week after the United States imposed tariffs on some Chinese products.

According to economists, the continent, whose participation in global trade is still negligible and is a net importer of products such as electronics and machinery from the two countries, will have to dig deeper into its pockets as it faces a spike in the price of products.

Robert Kagiri, a senior lecturer at the Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations at the University of Nairobi, said the US move also goes against the Africa’s efforts to create a single market for goods and services. Last week, 44 countries signed an agreement to create the African Continental Free Trade Area.

“The growing protectionism exhibited by the US dents the benefits of economic globalization,” said Kagiri, who is based in Kenya.

He said the tensions are a result of a disparity in ideals between the two trade powers. While the US is gravitating towards nationalism and isolation, China is firmly advocating globalization. “There is a shift in roles and both countries are adjusting to these new positions. I think there are better ways of working through differences than putting up barriers. Historically, such situations have never benefitted anyone.”

Ansetse Were, an independent development economist, said the US would be more vulnerable if the tension grows. She said that Chinese exports targeted by the punitive tariffs such as information and communication technology ICT products contain little Chinese input.