Unpacking the Effects of Trump’s Tariffs on Central Asia

Trade analysts across Central Asia generally agree that the immediate impact of the United States’ tariff policy on the export dynamics of their nations will likely be minimal, as observed in past experiences, except for Kazakhstan.

However, there is a palpable concern regarding potential unforeseen consequences arising from a broader global trade conflict. Notably, the timing of the Trump administration’s announcement regarding global tariffs on imports coincides with a period when Central Asian countries are actively working to enhance their regional trade relationships. This new tariff policy raises significant doubts about the authenticity of recent U.S. efforts to promote increased trade and investment in the region.

The mixed signals coming from Washington may lead Central Asian leaders to re-evaluate their current trade partnerships, especially as they consider the benefits of strengthening ties with China and Russia against the attractiveness of expanding commerce with the United States. Similarly, the European Union may find an opportunity to improve its position, while India could leverage the Chabahar route (a multi-modal transportation route connecting India, Iran, Afghanistan, and potentially Central Asia and Europe). It is worth noting that the market is primarily situated in Asia, and this alternative could have adverse long-term effects on the United States.

Kazakhstan, acknowledged as the United States’ largest trading partner in Central Asia, is poised to face significant repercussions from introducing new tariffs set at 27%. In 2024, trade relations between the U.S. and Kazakhstan reached an impressive total of $3.4 billion, with $1.1 billion in U.S. exports to Kazakhstan and $2.3 billion in imports from Kazakhstan to the U.S. However, a statement from the Kazakh Trade Ministry indicates that exports to the U.S. primarily consist of crude oil, uranium, silver, and other raw materials, all exempt from these tariffs. In 2024, Kazakhstan exported only $95.2 million worth of goods, which will now incur surcharges – a relatively modest figure compared to the country’s overall foreign trade turnover of $141.4 billion. Trade analysts suggest that Kazakhstan has little cause for concern, viewing this situation more as a psychological impact than a serious economic threat. Resource-driven Central Asian economies, such as Kazakhstan, may even find enhanced opportunities in the expanding Asian market.

Trade dynamics in Central Asia reveal a complex landscape, especially concerning the United States. In 2024, Uzbekistan managed to export a modest $42.4 million worth of goods to the US, a small fraction considering its total foreign trade turnover, which reached an impressive $66 billion for that year. This stark contrast highlights the limited engagement of Uzbekistan in the American market. With its total trade turnover of $16 billion in 2024, Kyrgyzstan similarly struggled with exports to the US, which amounted to merely $16.7 million. This reflects a broader trend where Central Asian economies exhibit low volume exports to the US, suggesting significant barriers or challenges in establishing a foothold in this lucrative market.

Tajikistan’s economic performance presented an even more sobering picture. Recording a total trade turnover of $8.9 billion, the country achieved only $4.6 million in exports to the US. This indicates a notable disparity between the country’s overall trade activities and interactions with American markets.

Meanwhile, Turkmenistan did not publicly disclose its total trade turnover; however, it reported a substantial annual trade turnover with China, amounting to $10.6 billion. In contrast, its exports to the US were limited to $14.6 million, further illustrating the challenges these Central Asian nations face in diversifying their trade partnerships beyond their immediate geographic region. In the Caucasus region, Georgia emerged as the leader in trade turnover with the United States in 2024, reporting a total of $1.9 billion. US-bound exports contributed $165.4 million of that figure, marking a more robust engagement compared to its Central Asian counterparts.

The broader implications of these tariffs, starting at a base rate of 10%, impact Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, given their relatively lower trade volumes with the US. This lenient baseline tariff system is mainly designed to address the perceived challenge of integrating these nations into the US market, targeting the export of goods specifically from Uzbekistan and several post-Soviet nations. Overall, the trade relationships between Central Asian countries and the United States are marked by limited export activity and significant challenges, particularly in light of the newly enacted tariffs that could further complicate their economic interactions with one of the world’s largest markets.

The introduction of these tariffs is anticipated to alter the trade landscape across the region fundamentally, reshaping economic relationships and challenging the market accessibility of these countries. As these tariffs come into effect, they will likely influence the volume of trade and the intricate web of political and economic alliances that bind these nations to their trading partners.

The question now arises regarding the effectiveness of the efforts made by the United States and its partners to diminish the overall trade deficit with the rest of the world, and whether these measures will lead to the desired outcomes for America. A critical observation is that Americans persistently spend and invest beyond their means. This economic behavior results in a scenario where the country imports more goods and services than it exports. As this pattern continues unabated, it seems likely that the United States will continue to operate at a deficit, even in the face of increased tariffs imposed on its international trading partners.

Thomas Sampson, an economist from the London School of Economics, provides a thought-provoking viewpoint on this complex issue. Quoted by the BBC, he suggests, “The formula is reverse-engineered to rationalize charging tariffs on countries with which the U.S. has a trade deficit. There is no economic rationale for doing this, and it will cost the global economy dearly.” His assertion highlights the lack of sound economic justification for such tariff impositions, pointing to the potential harm they could inflict on the global financial landscape.

Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that trade deficits with particular countries may arise not only from trade barriers. Numerous factors significantly influence these imbalances, including environmental considerations and other interconnected determinants that strongly impact the trade deficit landscape. The multifaceted nature of trade relations highlights the complexity involved in addressing and comprehending the nuances of international trade dynamics. Overall, the Trump tariffs may create new opportunities in Asia, aligning with China’s aspirations to return to the “Asian Century,” where India and China play pivotal roles in world trade. It is crucial to understand that such induced barriers can foster new avenues and innovations, the realities of which U.S. policymakers may struggle to grasp.