In a bold escalation of his protectionist trade agenda, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday imposing a 15% tariff on Nigerian imports, effective August 7, as part of a sweeping global trade offensive targeting nearly 40 countries.
The move, described by the White House as a “reciprocal trade adjustment,” aims to address what the administration calls “unbalanced” trade relationships that disadvantage American manufacturers.
Nigeria, a key U.S. trade partner in Sub-Saharan Africa with a $3.29 billion trade surplus, joins a list of African nations including Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Uganda facing the 15% levy. South Africa and Libya were hit harder with a 30% tariff, while Tunisia faces a 25% duty.
Beyond Africa, the United Kingdom, a long-standing U.S. ally, will see a 10% tariff, while India and Japan face 25% and 15% tariffs, respectively.
The executive order, titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates,” applies a default 15% tariff on imports from countries with which the U.S. has a trade deficit, while nations running a trade surplus with the U.S. face a lower 10% rate. “We’re restoring fairness to American businesses and workers,” Trump said during a press briefing.
“For too long, countries like Nigeria have taken advantage of our generosity. That ends now.”
The tariff hike follows a 14% duty imposed on Nigerian goods in April 2025, which was temporarily suspended for 90 days to allow negotiations.
Despite efforts by Nigeria’s Trade Minister Jumoke Oduwole to engage the World Trade Organization (WTO) and avoid retaliation, no agreement was reached.
The new 15% tariff threatens Nigeria’s $10-12 billion annual exports to the U.S., primarily crude oil, agricultural products, and textiles, which have benefited from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) since 2000.
Economic analysts warn of severe consequences for Nigeria’s already fragile economy, grappling with inflation and foreign exchange volatility.
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) in Lagos projected reduced trade volumes, higher production costs, and added pressure on Nigeria’s foreign reserves.
“This could devastate our non-oil export sectors and exacerbate our cost-of-living crisis,” said CPPE Director Muda Yusuf.In Nigeria, reactions were mixed.
The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) called for urgent diplomatic efforts to secure trade waivers, while billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote suggested the tariffs could boost local manufacturing by forcing Nigeria to diversify its economy.
Nigeria’s central bank has already sold $200 million to stabilize the naira amid fears of declining oil revenue.Globally, Trump’s trade offensive has sparked fears of a trade war.
The European Union, facing a 15% tariff, signaled potential retaliation on $84 billion worth of U.S. goods. China, already under a 20% tariff, imposed 15% duties on U.S. agricultural products in March.
Trade analysts warn that escalating tensions could disrupt global supply chains and raise consumer prices worldwide.
The White House defended the tariffs as a cornerstone of Trump’s “America First” strategy, citing a $1.4 billion trade imbalance with Nigeria in 2024.
As Nigeria scrambles to respond, President Trump shows no signs of slowing his trade offensive, with plans to review additional tariffs by April 2026.
For now, Nigerian exporters and American consumers brace for the impact of a rapidly shifting global trade landscape.
