On 9 July 2025, US President Donald Trump received the heads of state of Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal at the White House. The meeting focused primarily on prospects for trade cooperation. It took place against a backdrop of redefined economic priorities, two days after the US President announced on 7 July the introduction of a 30% customs surcharge on imports from several African countries, with effect from 1 August 2025.
On 9 July 2025, US President Donald Trump welcomed the leaders of five African countries, namely Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania and Senegal, to the White House. The aim of the meeting was to discuss trade prospects between Washington and its African partners, against the backdrop of a trade war that is likely to weaken developing economies that are heavily dependent on trade with the United States.
Mr President, we thank you for giving us the opportunity to be here. Liberia is a long-standing friend of the United States and we believe in your policies to make America great again. We are also very attached to your diplomacy in terms of economic development and trade friendship. We would like to thank you warmly for this opportunity.
Joseph Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia
In 2024, trade between Africa and the United States reached significant levels. African countries exported $39.5 billion worth of goods to the US, while the US sent $32.1 billion worth of goods to Africa. This represents an increase of 11.9%, or $3.4 billion, compared to 2023. On 7 July 2025, the United States announced the introduction of new customs duties, including a 30% surtax on certain products imported from Africa from 1 August 2025.
It’s time for Gabon to move towards local processing of its resources – manganese (12 million tonnes a year), iron, lithium, cobalt and gold – in order to create jobs, increase added value and meet national energy demand estimated at 9 GW.
Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of Gabon
For Washington, Africa represents great economic potential, with its wealth of minerals and oil reserves, which explains the United States’ desire to strengthen its presence on the continent.
My administration is committed to strengthening our ties of friendship in Africa through economic development efforts that benefit both the United States and our partners.
Donald Trump, President of the United States of America
The meeting, which took place against a backdrop of a review of US domestic and international priorities under President Trump, comes just days after the official dismantling of USAID, the international development agency that provided support to many African countries.
