Kathmandu, June 7 -- New tariff tensions could further undermine the modest gains of least developed countries (LDCs), small island developing states (SIDS), and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), according to a recent report.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), in its May publication titled "Sparing the Vulnerable: The Cost of New Tariff Burdens", warns that these vulnerable economies could face some of the highest new US tariffs. This could lead to a decline in critical exports and pose substantial risks to their long-term development prospects.

The report defines "vulnerable economies" as LDCs, SIDS, and LLDCs-nations already struggling with structural economic and geographic disadvantages.

"US Pre...