Trump versus Rwanda in trade battle over used clothes


A worker prepares thread at the the Utexrwa garment factory in Kigali, Rwanda April 17, 2018. Picture taken April 17, 2018. REUTERS/Jean Bizimana

KIGALI/ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Early last year, weeks after Donald Trump was sworn in as president, a little known American trade association filed a petition with the U.S. Trade Representative.

That seven-page letter set Africa in the cross-hairs of the new administration's 'America First' trade ideology, pitting the world's largest economy against tiny Rwanda over an unlikely U.S. export: cast-off clothes.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In World

Peru lawmakers gather support to call for debate to oust president Jeri
US, Taiwan finalize deal to cut tariffs, boost purchases of US goods
Ukraine's Zelenskiy: We have backed US peace proposals to get a deal done
China's Sun Long wins silver in men's 1,000m short track speed skating at Milan-Cortina (updated)
Australia opposition elects former energy minister Taylor as new leader, ABC reports
China opens women's curling campaign with victory at Milan-Cortina Games
North Korea says South Korea should take steps to prevent violation of its sovereignty
U.S. stocks close lower
Medal table at Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on February 12
EU moves to speed up single market, eyes smaller-group cooperation

Others Also Read