Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump has imposed a 15% import tariff on Nigeria and several other African countries, effective August 1, 2025, through an Executive Order titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates”. This move aims to modify reciprocal tariffs and promote fairer trade terms.
The countries affected by the new tariff regime include Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Lesotho, and Madagascar. South Africa and Libya face even higher tariffs at 30%, while Tunisia is subject to a 25% tariff. Other non-African nations impacted include the United Kingdom (10%), India (25%), and Japan (15%).
The tariff increase reflects Trump’s “America First” strategy to address perceived trade imbalances. Nigeria, with a trade surplus of $3.29 billion with the US, is a prime target. The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) warns that the tariffs could trigger cost hikes, reduce trade volumes, and exacerbate Nigeria’s economic woes amid ongoing inflationary pressures and currency volatility.
– *15%*: Nigeria, Angola, Ghana, South Korea, Turkey, Japan, Israel, Norway, and several others
– *30%*: South Africa and Libya
– *25%*: Tunisia
– *10%*: United Kingdom
The new tariff could affect Nigeria’s non-oil exports, such as cocoa, fertilizers, and value-added goods, which may face higher entry costs in the US market. The government’s efforts to boost non-oil exports could be undermined, and the country’s economy may experience increased pressure on foreign exchange reserves .
The tariff imposition may lead to trade disruptions, rising costs, and pressure on Nigeria’s economy. The Nigerian government is urged to explore diplomatic channels and trade negotiations to mitigate the potential impact.
