Trump to charge 25-pct tax on Iran trade partners as Sri Lanka tea prices fall

President Donald Trump has declared that the US will charge a 25 percent tax on exports to the US from countries trading with Iran, with Sri Lanka tea prices having already taken a hit on the collapse of the Riyal.

“Effective immediately, any Country doing business with the Islamic Republic of Iran will pay a Tariff of 25 percent, on any and all business being done with the United States of America,” Trump said in a post on his Truthsocial.com post.

“This Order is final and conclusive. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

Iran has killed hundreds of protestors after the Riyal collapsed yet again, pushing up inflation to very high levels in a Sri Lanka style Aragalaya.

President Trump previously threatened action against Iran if the government killed protestors.

Sri Lanka’ tea prices fell steeply in auctions this week, traders said, on top of a fall seen last week.

Sri Lanka tea is exported to Iran under a deal that allows food to be exported despite sanctions.

It is not clear whether Trumps order extends to food. (Colombo/Jan13/2026)

Source: EconomyNext