Trump Imposes New Tariff on Nigeria in Aggressive Trade Move

United States President Donald Trump has imposed a new 15% tariff on Nigerian imports, triggering anxiety across Africa’s trade sector.

The policy shift, outlined in a fresh executive order from the White House, takes immediate effect from August 1, 2025.

It also includes dozens of other nations, marking one of the most aggressive trade realignments since Trump left office in 2021.

This announcement follows a previous 14% tariff Trump imposed in April. That earlier tariff came with a 90-day negotiation window, giving African nations time to secure fairer terms.

However, the talks produced no clear deals. With the deadline now expired, the new tariffs have taken hold, hitting Nigeria’s exports particularly hard.

The executive order, titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates,” says the new rules apply to any goods imported for consumption from the listed countries.

The 15% rate now covers a wide range of nations, including Ghana, South Korea, Israel, Jordan, Turkey, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria.

Trump had argued that African countries benefit unfairly from U.S. markets. He framed the hike as a push for “reciprocal trade fairness.”

But critics say the move could damage already fragile economies and widen the global trade gap.

During the negotiation period, Trump also reinstated strict travel bans. At first, Nigeria wasn’t listed.

But later, it was added to the restricted countries, increasing diplomatic tension.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, said West African nations still want stronger ties with the U.S. Yet, he admitted that the travel ban and tariff hike have made progress harder.

Many African leaders feel betrayed. They say the United States promised partnership but delivered punishment.

Nigeria, for instance, had hoped to boost trade through mutual deals. Instead, it now faces steeper costs to access U.S. markets.

Local businesses fear rising prices and blocked exports.

As of August, goods from over 40 countries now face this harsh 15% rate.

Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest economy makes this policy especially impactful.

With strained ties and no quick resolution in sight, this move may redefine how Africa engages with Washington under Trump’s second term.

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