Guinea-Bissau Responds to US Tariffs

President Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau announced plans to impose tariffs on goods imported from the United States. This decision follows the implementation of a 10% tariff on Guinea-Bissau products by the administration of former US President Donald Trump.

Tit-for-Tat Trade Measures

Embaló stated that this action is reciprocal. He equated his position as president of Guinea-Bissau to that of Trump as president of the United States. He directed the Minister of Economy, Soares Sambu, to identify US products for the 10% tariff.

Embaló referenced a previous instance in 2023 when the US allegedly sanctioned Guinea-Bissau over human trafficking concerns. He claimed Guinea-Bissau responded with sanctions of its own, which were later rescinded after the US acknowledged its error and lifted its restrictions.

US Ambassador Disputes Sanctions Claim

On March 18, the US Ambassador to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, Michael Raynor, refuted the claim that the US had imposed sanctions on Guinea-Bissau. Raynor clarified that there were restrictions on relations and partnerships. He noted that these restrictions were lifted in 2024 due to Guinea-Bissau's efforts in combating human trafficking.