6 April 2026
Botswana says it is determined to secure an end to US tariffs on its diamonds and other exports.
Bogolo Kenewendo, 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 (deputising 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.
Source: https://shorturl.at/liXee
