By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Nathie Dlamini, the Business Eswatini Chief Executive Officer(CEO) led a team of officials from the business organization that engaged the United States(US) Embassy on trade tariffs and, possible future partnerships.

In a statement sent to this Swaziland News on Tuesday, the organization for business people said, the meeting was building on previous discussions to strengthen trade relations, address pressing tariff concerns, and explore new opportunities for Eswatini’s private sector. 

“The meeting underscored BE’s role as a key advocate for its members in navigating global economic shifts while fostering strategic partnerships.Present in the meeting were the BE President-Mr. Mvuselelo Fakudze, BE CEO-Mr. E.Nathi Dlamini, BE Head of Trade and Commerce-Mr. Musa Maseko and the BE Communications and Marketing team.A key focus of the discussion was the recent US-imposed 10% minimum reciprocal tariffs on select products, including steel and aluminium. While sugar is not currently exempt, BE emphasized the potential impact on Eswatini’s exports, particularly given the country’s inordinate reliance on the SACU revenue pool,” reads the statement in part.

The CEO appealed for increased sugar export quotas, highlighting Eswatini’s unique position and the mutual benefits of sustained trade with the US.  

On another note, Business Eswatini President Mvuselelo Fakudze noted that, unlike many other countries, the US enjoys a trade surplus with Eswatini, thanks to long-standing partnerships with entities like Coca-Cola, DD Williamson and others. “Imposing tariffs could reduce this surplus, harming both economies,” he said.

Speaking during the meeting, Allen Hodges from US Embassy clarified that, the tariffs “are not meant to be punitive but aimed at revenue generation and to level the imbalances of international trading landscape”, he therefore encouraged patience as the US engages in further dialogue particularly with affected Nations.