The Chairman of International Economics Consulting Group and the Africa Trade Foundation, Paul Baker, was featured in Business Magazine last week in a compelling article titled “AGOA’s Future Hangs by a Thread.” The article explains that Mauritius is facing reciprocal tariffs of 40% in addition to a universal tax of 10%, significantly reducing its competitiveness in the U.S. market and jeopardising its trade surplus with the U.S.

Paul Baker shared his views on the impact of Donald Trump’s new tariff barriers on Mauritian exports to the U.S. and the uncertain future of AGOA. He warned of the real risk of losing the preferential treatment granted to Mauritius, stressing the need to shift towards competitiveness based on Mauritius’ strengths and to improve the business and investment environment.

Also featured in the article were Bhavish Jugurnath (Economist) and Sameer Sharma (Alternative Investment Expert), who echoed concerns about the dire consequences for Mauritius’ industrial sector particularly textiles, seafood and monkey exports.

Read more to understand why Mauritius is one of the ten countries most heavily impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and how other exporters such as South Africa, Madagascar, Vietnam and Bangladesh are also affected.