On February 20, the US Supreme Court ruled that the "reciprocal" tariffs imposed by former President Donald Trump were illegal due to the president's overreach of authority, infringing on the powers of Congress as outlined in the Constitution. As a result, the tariffs, which had been affecting trade, particularly with African countries, were immediately lifted. This decision marks a significant shift in trade dynamics, especially for African nations that rely on exports to the US market.

African nations such as South Africa, Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia emerge as potential beneficiaries of this ruling, as the lifting of tariffs could enhance trade opportunities and boost their economies. However, the implications of a new global 15% tariff set to take effect on February 24 raise questions about the future landscape of international trade. The new tariff policy may not equally benefit all countries, and its impact on their economies remains uncertain.

The Supreme Court's ruling signals a potential reevaluation of trade policies that affect developing nations, especially in Africa. As these countries seek to strengthen their economies, the new legal landscape could either provide much-needed support or present new challenges, depending on how the global tariff is applied in practice. Countries like South Africa, Algeria, Libya, and Tunisia will need to strategize to maximize the positive impacts of this ruling while navigating the complexities of evolving international trade regulations.