As of today, Sunday, April 20, 2025, the most significant tariff update concerning Madagascar involves the United States' imposition of a 47% tariff on imports from Madagascar. This tariff was implemented on April 5, 2025, as part of a broader protectionist shift under President Donald Trump's administration.   Here's a more detailed breakdown: US Tariff on Madagascar: A 47% ad valorem tariff is currently in effect on goods imported from Madagascar into the United States. This rate was calculated based on the trade disparity between the two countries, with the aim of being a "discounted reciprocal tariff" – half the rate that the U.S. calculated Madagascar was charging it (93%).   Rationale: The U.S. stated this action was necessary due to the global trade deficit and to take remedial measures.   Impact on Madagascar: This tariff is a significant concern for Madagascar's economy, particularly its textile industry, which is a major exporter to the U.S. Some reports suggest that Madagascar's textile sector could face the loss of around 60,000 jobs as a result of this tariff, jeopardizing a sector that accounts for a substantial portion of the country's GDP.   AGOA Benefits Eroded: While Madagascar is a beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which grants duty-free access to the U.S. market for many African goods, this new tariff significantly undermines those benefits for Malagasy exporters.   Delay of Broader "Reciprocal Tariffs": It's important to note that while the 47% tariff on Madagascar went into effect on April 5th, the broader "reciprocal tariff" regime announced by the U.S. saw a 90-day pause for most countries (excluding China, Hong Kong, and Macau), starting on April 9th. However, Madagascar was not included in this pause, and the 47% tariff remains active.   Madagascar's Trade Policy: Madagascar is a member of several regional and international trade agreements, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and has an interim Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union. The country ratified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in November 2024.   US-Madagascar Trade Relationship: In 2024, the total goods trade between the U.S. and Madagascar was $786.6 million. The U.S. imported $733.2 million worth of goods from Madagascar, mainly apparel, vanilla, titanium, cobalt, and nickel. U.S. exports to Madagascar were $53.4 million, including machinery and vegetable oil. The U.S. has a trade deficit with Madagascar.   In summary, the latest tariff update for Madagascar is the ongoing 47% tariff imposed by the United States, which is causing significant concern for the Malagasy economy, particularly its vital textile sector. Unlike many other countries, Madagascar did not receive a pause on these new tariffs.