- Trump Slams 15% Tariff on Nigerian Imports
- CPPE warns of rising costs and worsening foreign exchange pressure.
- Nigeria urged to pursue diplomatic talks to mitigate economic impact.
U.S. President Donald Trump has officially imposed a 15 per cent tariff on imports from Nigeria and several African nations, marking a significant shift in American trade policy.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that
The directive, issued through an Executive Order titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates,” was announced by the White House on Thursday and is set to take effect from 12:01 a.m. on the implementation date stated in the order.
Countries affected in Africa include Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Ghana, Malawi, Lesotho, and Madagascar. The order also introduces harsher penalties for South Africa and Libya with 30 per cent tariffs, and 25 per cent for Tunisia.
Beyond Africa, key global trade partners are also impacted. The United Kingdom faces a 10 per cent tariff, while India and Japan are now subject to 25 per cent and 15 per cent tariffs respectively. The move is part of what the Trump administration calls a “reciprocal trade adjustment,” aimed at addressing trade imbalances and protecting American industries.
This marks a continuation of a protectionist trend under Trump’s leadership. In April 2025, an earlier Executive Order had already placed import tariffs on several countries, including Nigeria. Thursday’s directive expands the list and deepens the tariffs.
Economic experts in Nigeria are already raising alarm. The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) warned that the new tariffs could raise operational costs, reduce trade volumes, and worsen foreign exchange pressures.
“The tariffs will make it harder for Nigerian exporters and strain trade relations,” CPPE stated. Stakeholders are now calling on the Nigerian government to urgently engage the U.S. through diplomatic and trade negotiations to ease the burden.
