By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Eswatini has expressed appreciation after newly inaugurated United States(US) President Donald Trump announced the implementation of a ninety(90) days pause on trade tariffs.

In a public statement released on Friday, the Kingdom’s Commerce,Industry and Trade Minister Mancoba Khumalo applauded the US for demonstrating willingness to create space for renewed dialogue on global trade relations.

But the Minister said, while the pause has taken effect, it’s impact on the Kingdom’s trade with the US and other global markets remains a subject of assessment hence the country’s ongoing engagements through the US Embassy.

“While the pause has taken effect, it’s practical impact on the Kingdom of Eswatini’s trade relations with the United States and other global markets remains to be fully assessed. As such, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade is engaging extensively with the United States Embassy in Eswatini to seek clarity on the implications of the pause and to explore avenues for deeper collaboration”, said the Commerce Minister.

The Minister further expressed Government’s commitment to protecting national interests while promoting regional and international trade cooperation.

It has been reported that, in 2024, total goods trade with Eswatini amounted to $68.7 million, with U.S. exports to Eswatini at $46.1 million and imports from Eswatini at $22.6 million. 

This resulted in a US trade surplus of $23.5 million, Eswatini is also a member of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa(COMESA), which signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) with the US in 2001.