The United States Trade Representative (USTR) highlighted “10 unfair trade practices” from various countries in a post on the platform X, revealing challenges faced by American exporters, including the situation with Angola.
Angola recently declared its intention to restrict the import licenses for beef, pork, and poultry starting July 31, 2025. In 2024, U.S. poultry exports to Angola were valued at $136 million (124.17 million euros), according to USTR.
Angola ranks as the 9th largest market for U.S. poultry exports globally and the largest in Africa. These new trade restrictions are expected to have a significant impact on American farmers and livestock producers, the federal agency assessed.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forests of Angola, through the Institute of Veterinary Services, announced in February that imports of certain animal-origin food products, specifically poultry, pork, and beef, will be prohibited.
In a document addressed to “importers of animal-origin products and by-products,” it was stated that “licenses will not be issued for the importation of offal, poultry parts, pork, and beef” as long as local production conditions for these products exist, starting at specific dates.
This measure is part of the Angolan government’s effort to bolster internal production and decrease reliance on external markets.
On Wednesday, in what he termed “Liberation Day,” U.S. President Donald Trump imposed a 10% tariff on imports from 184 countries and territories, including the European Union (EU).
Under the new rules presented by Donald Trump, tariffs on Angolan products have increased to 32% from an average duty rate of 11%, though as Angola has not raised its customs tariffs, the new tariffs will not impact Angolan products sold to the U.S., stated Angolan economist Flávio Inocêncio.
Besides Angola, other members of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) affected by the U.S. President’s announcement include Mozambique and Equatorial Guinea, which face tariffs of 16% and 13% respectively, along with Brazil, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Cabo Verde, and Timor-Leste, which face 10%, while Portugal is subject to tariffs applicable to the EU.
Trump announced 20% tariffs on imported EU products adding to existing 25% tariffs on the automotive, steel, and aluminum sectors.
The Monday USTR post also mentioned other “unfair trade practices,” such as those by Brazil, to justify imposing these tariffs.
“Illegal logging and mining in South America, especially in Brazil, Peru, Colombia, and Ecuador, drive environmental degradation and create unfair competition harming American companies committed to responsible sourcing and compliance with environmental laws,” the agency explained.
“These illegal activities, often involving transnational criminal organizations, distort global commodity markets by lowering prices and allowing bad actors to undercut legitimate American exporters,” it added.
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