Trump Slams 15% Tariff on Nigeria, African Countries in Sweeping Trade Order
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has officially imposed a 15 percent import tariff on Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, and Mauritius, among other African nations.
This was disclosed in a White House statement issued on Thursday, as part of a broader executive directive titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates.” The order takes effect from 12:01 a.m. on the specified enforcement date and applies to all goods entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouses in the United States.
South Africa, Libya, Tunisia Face Higher Tariff Brackets
In a notable escalation, the US government also imposed:
30% tariffs on imports from South Africa and Libya
25% tariff on Tunisia
Beyond Africa, the tariff adjustments extended to other major economies, including:
India – 25%
Japan – 15%
United Kingdom – 10%
This move signals an aggressive trade realignment under President Trump’s “America First” policy direction, with the White House citing reciprocity and protection of domestic industries as core justifications.
Background: April 2025 Tariff Directive
It will be recalled that the US had previously issued an executive order on April 2, 2025, outlining a global tariff regime targeting several countries, including Nigeria. The latest order is a follow-up and expansion, tightening the tariff net around more nations and increasing rates for selected countries.
Economic Impact on Nigeria
The Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) has raised concerns over the economic implications of Trump’s tariff regime, warning that it could:
Increase the cost of Nigerian exports to the US
Reduce competitiveness of Nigerian goods in American markets
Trigger a slowdown in trade volumes between Nigeria and the US
Trade experts have advised that Nigeria and affected African countries may need to reassess their trade policies and strengthen regional partnerships to cushion the impact.
What This Means for Africa
This new wave of tariffs could have wide-reaching consequences for African economies, especially those heavily reliant on exports to the US. Analysts warn that the tariffs may:
Strain diplomatic relations
Distort pricing structures
Worsen trade imbalances
Governments across the continent are expected to issue official responses or seek bilateral renegotiations in the coming days.
