Botswana Pushes for End to US Tariffs

(IDEX Online) - Botswana says it is determined to secure an end to US tariffs on its diamonds and other exports.

Bogolo Kenewendo (pictured), the country's minerals and energy minister, says such a move is critical to restoring the country's competitive edge.

"We will continue our efforts until there are no tariffs imposed," she said, according to a Sunday Standard report.

In answer to a parliamentary question, David Tshere, minister of communications and innovation (deputizing for Kenewendo) said Botswana had submitted its offer and requests to the US and was currently awaiting a response.

Botswana, the world's biggest diamond producer after Russia, currently attracts a 15% tariff on its exports to the US.

It was hit with a 37% tariff in April 2025. That was negotiated down to 15%, as of August 2025.

Botswana's government said at the time that it would continue negotiations aimed at eliminating the remaining 15% rate.

The country's trump card is its critical minerals - copper, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements.

It is hoping to leverage these resources to become the first African diamond producer to eliminate US tariffs.