Starting Friday, August 1, sweeping US tariffs on Libyan imports will officially come into force, part of a broader trade crackdown targeting Tunisia and dozens of other nations lacking formal trade agreements with Washington.
The Trump administration reinstated the 30% tariff on Libyan goods on July 9, following a three-month partial suspension. Libya now faces the same rate as Iraq and Algeria, while Tunisia will be hit with a 25%.
According to UN trade data, Libya exported roughly $1.49 billion worth of goods to the US last year, primarily crude oil, which remains exempt from the new tariffs. In contrast, US exports to Libya include vehicles, electronics, industrial machinery, pharmaceuticals, and medical technologies.
Meanwhile, Washington has finalized partial and full trade deals with the European Union and China, shielding them from the new tariffs, pending completion of remaining negotiations..
