Trump tariffs hit 13 Mena states
4 April 2025
Over a dozen Middle East and North Africa (Mena) countries will face US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs – at rates varying between 10% and 41% – from 5 April.
Trump announced an executive order on 2 April regarding “regulating imports with a reciprocal tariff to rectify trade practices that contribute to large and persistent annual US goods trade deficits”.
Six of these countries – Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE – face 10% tariffs, which is the minimum rate, or universal tariff, imposed on US trading partners.
Goods from Syria and Iraq face the highest tariff rates of 41% and 39%, followed by Libya and Algeria, which each face tariffs of 31% and 30%, respectively.
The executive order imposes 28% tariffs on goods originating from Tunisia, 20% from Jordan and 17% from Israel.
The impact of the new tariffs on regional businesses is less clear compared to their effect on US consumers, who will have to bear the brunt of increased prices of imported products.
US media outlets report that goods included in the reciprocal tariff regime include electronics, automobiles, clothing and shoes, wine and spirits, furniture, coffee and chocolates.
Dubai-based global ports operator DP World said that businesses will face significant adjustments in response to the tariffs, according to a report by the UAE’s The National.
“With tariffs increasingly shaping policy, we recognise that businesses are facing significant adjustments. As supply chains realign, new manufacturing and trading hubs may emerge in response to shifting cost structures and market access considerations,” DP World said.
The firm added that it is working closely “with our customers to navigate these complexities – helping them maintain continuity, find efficiencies and build resilience in an evolving global landscape”.
Photo credit: Pixabay, for illustrative purposes only
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The request for qualifications (RFQs) was issued by the municipality’s Sewerage and Recycled Water Projects Department (SRPD).
The bid submission deadline is 26 February.
The first scheme under the package is TF-16-C1, which involves upgrading and rehabilitating the stormwater system east of the Dubai Canal.
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Modon tenders Ras El-Hekma construction contracts
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Abu Dhabi-based developer Modon Holding has tendered several contracts as part of the first phase of development at Ras El-Hekma, a planned new city on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast.
MEED understands that the tenders were issued in January.
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DP3 assets: covering 146 residential villas, 590 three-bedroom townhouses, 356 four-bedroom townhouses, a mall and other associated works.
Bids due on 23 February.
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Modon has accelerated development works at Ras El-Hekma this year. In January, MEED reported that Modon Holding had awarded a E£15bn ($316m) contract for the construction of a project at Ras El-Hekma.
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In September, MEED reported that Modon Holding had tendered contracts for the infrastructure works for the first phase of the Ras El-Hekma project.
As part of the first phase, Modon plans to develop more than 50 million square metres (sq m), including hotels and a marina.
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Last year, Abu Dhabi-based holding company ADQ appointed Modon Holding as the master developer for the Ras El-Hekma project.
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In 2025, the terminal handled over 5.3 million tonnes of cargo and nearly 85,000 car equivalent units of Ro-Ro imports.
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The announcement followed AD Ports Group’s signing of a shareholders’ agreement in January 2024 between its digital arm, Maqta Gateway, and Jordan’s Aqaba Development Corporation regarding their existing joint-venture company, Maqta Ayla.
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Chinese firm wins Ceer automotive supplier park deal
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