Trump Imposes New 15% Tariff on Nigeria and Other African Nations

In a move that’s likely to stir economic tension, U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a fresh 15% tariff on goods imported from Nigeria and several other African countries. The decision was officially announced in a statement from the White House on Thursday, under the Executive Order titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates.”

The tariff hike affects goods brought in for consumption or taken out of warehouses starting from 12:01 a.m. on the effective date. Countries on the receiving end of the 15% tariff include Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Malawi, Mauritius, Lesotho, and Madagascar.

Some countries face even steeper rates:

South Africa – 30%

Libya – 30%

Tunisia – 25%

Interestingly, the U.S. also extended the tariff list beyond Africa, placing a 10% tariff on the United Kingdom, 25% on India, and 15% on Japan.

This is not the first time President Trump has targeted global trade partners. Back in April 2025, an earlier Executive Order had already signaled Washington's intent to increase tariffs on a wide range of nations, including Nigeria.

Trade experts and economic analysts in Nigeria have raised concerns about the impact of these new tariffs. According to the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), this development could negatively affect Nigeria’s exports and trade relations with the U.S., which remains one of its key trading partners.

As Nigeria continues to push for economic diversification and stronger international trade ties, this new policy poses a potential setback, especially for businesses reliant on exports to the American market.

With reactions expected from African leaders and trade groups in the coming days, all eyes will be on how Nigeria and its counterparts respond to this unexpected economic curveball.