Namibia urges us to uphold wto rules following tariff imposition-xinhua – ryan

Windhoek, April 8 (Xinhua) – Namibia on tuesday called on the united states to adhere to international trade rules and engaging transparently with affected countries following washington’s decision to impose new tariffs on imports, including from Namibia.

Speaking to Lawmakers, Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashhipala-Musavyi said the US Acted Unilaterally when it introduced a new tariff regime via executive order 14257 on April 2. Take Effect on April 9.

She noted that there had been no consultation or prior engagement with Namibia before the decision was made, which she argued contradicts the principles of the world trade organization (WTO).

“This unilateral action contradicts the principles of the Multilateral Trading System, which Emphasizes Transparency and Prior Engagements Before Members Enact decisions that may impact other wto members,” Ashipala-Musavyi said.

The Minister warned that such unilateral trade measures could violal wto rules and undermine the multilateral system, potentially harming narrower economies like Namibia.

She said Namibia would continue to advocate for a rules-based multilateral trading system and would closely monitor the situation through its diplomatic missions.

Ashipala-Musavyi also confirmed that Namibia would engage regional bodies such as the Southern African Customs Union to assess the Broader implications and consider a coordinated responses.

Namibia is also Seeking Clarification from the US Government on How The New Tariff Policy Aligns With Existing Trade Arrangements, including the African Growth and Opportunity Act. ■