As of today, Sunday, April 20, 2025, here's the latest update on tariffs concerning Nauru:
United States Tariffs on Goods from Nauru:
Initially, under the "reciprocal tariffs" announced by the Trump administration, Nauru was assigned a tariff rate of 30%. This was in addition to a baseline 10% tariff that went into effect on April 5, 2025, potentially bringing the total to 40%.
However, on April 9, 2025, a 90-day pause was announced for the country-specific reciprocal tariffs for most countries, including Nauru.
Therefore, for the next 90 days, the tariff rate applied to goods imported from Nauru into the United States is the baseline 10%. This is in addition to any other pre-existing tariffs, although trade between the U.S. and Nauru is typically limited.
Nauru's General Tariff Rates:
Nauru generally applies tariffs on imported goods.
According to Macrotrends, the weighted mean applied tariff rate for all products in Nauru was 14.07% in 2021, a slight decrease from previous years.
Nauru's tariff schedule includes both ad valorem rates (a percentage of the value) and specific rates (a fixed amount per unit). For example, the "Republic of Nauru Customs Tariff (Amendment) Bill 2023" outlines specific rates for items like alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
Nauru is also part of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations Plus (PACER Plus), a trade and development agreement aimed at fostering economic growth in the Pacific region. This agreement involves reduced tariffs and red tape among participating countries.
Impact and Considerations:
The direct impact of U.S. tariffs on Nauru might be limited due to the relatively small trade volume between the two nations. However, the broader implications of a global trade war could indirectly affect Nauru's economy through impacts on global supply chains and demand.
Reports from early April 2025 indicated concerns within the Pacific region that the U.S. tariffs, even with the subsequent pause, could harm economies reliant on exports.
It's worth noting that the U.S. State Department describes the bilateral economic relations between the U.S. and Nauru as limited due to Nauru's small size and remoteness.
In summary, while Nauru initially faced a 30% reciprocal tariff from the U.S., the current applied tariff for the next 90 days is the baseline 10%. Nauru itself applies tariffs on imports, with a weighted mean of around 14% in recent years, and participates in regional trade agreements like PACER Plus. The broader global trade situation remains a concern for many Pacific Island nations.