Watan-On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump sent official tariff notifications to six countries: Algeria, Brunei, Iraq, Libya, Moldova, and the Philippines.
The new tariffs include a 30% duty on Algeria, Iraq, and Libya; and 25% on Brunei, Moldova, and the Philippines.
The announcement regarding Algeria comes just a day after Trump expressed his desire to strengthen ties with the North African country in a congratulatory message to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, marking the 63rd anniversary of Algeria’s Independence Day.
In the message, published by the Algerian presidency, Trump wrote:“I extend my warmest congratulations on the 63rd anniversary of your national independence on July 5.”
He noted that the U.S. and Algeria celebrating independence on the same day is an opportunity to “recall the enduring partnership between our two nations.”
Trump highlighted the shared achievements between the U.S. and Algeria in “regional stability, counterterrorism efforts, and securing borders for our mutual security and economic relations.”
He emphasized that U.S.-Algerian cooperation is now entering a critical phase to build “a more secure and prosperous future for both Americans and Algerians.”
He concluded his message by expressing hope that the bilateral relationship “will continue to flourish, especially in trade and cultural exchange.”
Despite some differences—particularly regarding the Western Sahara—the U.S. and Algeria have generally enjoyed stable relations since Trump’s re-election. Both sides have signaled a strong desire to deepen diplomatic, economic, and military cooperation, with major American oil companies recently entering the Algerian market.
On Monday, Trump had already announced tariffs on 14 other countries, including Tunisia, South Korea, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Japan, South Africa, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indonesia, Serbia, Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos.
Regarding Tunisia, Trump announced a 25% tariff starting in August.
In a message to President Kais Saied, shared by the U.S. State Department, Trump wrote:“It is an honor to send you this message, which reflects the strength of our trade relationship and our commitment to it. The U.S. is willing to continue working with Tunisia, despite the significant trade deficit with your great country. However, we are moving forward, but under fairer and more balanced trade terms. We invite you to engage with the exceptional American economy, the world’s leading market.”
He added:“These tariffs are necessary to correct longstanding Tunisian customs and trade barriers, which have caused a persistent trade deficit that threatens our economy—and even our national security.”
Trump warned that if Tunisia increases its tariffs on U.S. goods—currently at 55%—the U.S. would match the increase on Tunisian products.
Last year, Tunisian exports to the U.S. exceeded $1 billion, according to UN trade data, primarily consisting of olive oil, dates, and textiles.
Trump confirmed that the new tariffs will take effect on August 1 without any delay or grace period.
In a post on Truth Social on Tuesday, he wrote:“According to the messages sent to several countries yesterday, today, and those to be sent later, the tariffs will take effect on August 1. There will be no extensions.”
In a follow-up message, he emphasized that collections will begin on August 1 and reiterated that no changes will be made to the timeline.
Back in April, Trump had announced sweeping tariffs on most U.S. trade partners but postponed most of them until July 9 after turmoil in the stock and bond markets.
Over the past three months, the Trump administration has attempted to negotiate trade deals with over a dozen countries to reduce trade barriers and avoid further tariff escalation. However, only preliminary agreements with the UK and Vietnam have been reached, with an agreement framework with India expected soon.
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