US Imposes 25% Tariff on Tunisian Imports Starting August 1, 2025
The United States has decided to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Tunisia, effective August 1, 2025. In a letter addressed to President Kais Saied on July 7, 2025, the US government justifies this decision by citing the "significant" and "persistent" trade deficit between the two countries.
This tariff measure applies to all Tunisian products entering the American market, without sectoral distinction. According to the letter, US authorities believe that the commercial relationship between Washington and Tunis is "far from reciprocal" due to Tunisia's restrictive tariff and non-tariff policies. The US President emphasizes that this 25% tariff could be increased if Tunisia decides to retaliate by raising its own tariffs.
However, the US clarifies that no additional tariff will be applied to Tunisian enterprises that choose to produce or assemble their goods directly on American soil. The US administration commits to accelerating approval procedures for these enterprises to minimize the impact of this new tax.
The letter concludes by leaving the door open to negotiation: if Tunisia agrees to open its market further to American products and reduce its tariff and non-tariff barriers, Washington may reconsider this decision. Otherwise, these tariffs will remain in place to "correct unsustainable trade deficits" and "protect the US economy and national security."
