Map: Africa Guide
To: wsj.ltrs@wsj.com
Hello Dow Jones:
The April 4 issue of the New York Times listed the top 60 countries upon which 47 slapped tariffs. Of the 60, only never-ending chaotic Congo (the lone country!) had a trade deficit ($112 million) with the USA, yet arbitrarily received a subjective 11% tariff! What is this unfair relationship? This weekend’s Wall Street Journal included a byline to Yaroslav Trofimov’s affirming article about China’s preparedness to counteract the current “erratic and aggressive” EO dictates. He wrote, “Last December, Beijing eliminated tariffs on imports from the world’s 43 least-developed countries, including 33 in Africa.”* Finally, the April 8 WSJ issue reported and displayed an excellent visual presentation of data, on Congo’s mining sites of gold and coltan – the latter of which is a key component to digital society – and ongoing, regional fighting. While China pumps money into Africa and builds infrastructure projects there, the Erratic One has alienated another continent. Yes, “China is Ready to Reap the Benefits,” Mr. Trofimov!
*Trump’s tariffs hammered Africa, such as Zambia (17%, $61 million), Zimbabwe (18%, $24 million), and Malawi (18%, $18 million). Why Congo?
Regards,
Mark Erickson
