Trump Slaps 14% Tariff on Nigerian Exports, Sparks Global Trade War

In a move that has sent shockwaves across global markets, U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 14 per cent tariff on all Nigerian exports to the United States, citing an alleged trade imbalance. The announcement, made during a fiery “Make America Wealthy Again” event at the White House Rose Garden, is part of Trump’s broader crackdown on what he calls “unfair trade practices.”

The decision marks a major escalation in U.S.-Nigeria trade relations, with Trump framing it as a necessary step to protect American businesses and force foreign nations to open their markets to U.S. goods.

A Trade War Brewing?

According to the Trump administration, Nigeria currently slaps a 27 per cent tariff on U.S. exports, a policy the White House argues has given Nigerian businesses an unfair advantage while stifling American manufacturers. With this move, Trump says he is restoring “fair trade” and putting American interests first.

“This is one of the most important days in American history,” Trump declared. “We will supercharge our domestic industrial base. We will pry open foreign markets and break down foreign trade barriers. The golden age of America is back.”

But while Trump claims this is about fairness, critics argue the new tariff is nothing more than economic warfare disguised as policy. Nigerian businesses and government officials are already bracing for the economic fallout, warning that this could cripple key industries and strain diplomatic ties between the two nations.

Africa Feels the Heat

Nigeria isn’t the only African country caught in the crossfire. The new tariffs target over 50 countries, including key U.S. trade partners like China, the European Union, India, and Japan. However, African nations have been hit particularly hard, with shocking tariff rates that could devastate exports:

• Lesotho – 50%
• Mauritius – 40%
• Algeria & South Africa – 30%
• Namibia – 21%
• Ethiopia & Ghana – 10% each

This latest move has sparked fears of a global trade war, with many experts predicting retaliatory measures from affected countries.

Retaliation on the Horizon?

With Nigeria already struggling with economic instability, the 14 per cent tariff could crush major export industries that rely on U.S. trade. The Nigerian government is yet to issue a formal response, but sources suggest that countermeasures, including tariffs on U.S. imports, are already being discussed.

As the world watches, one thing is certain: Trump’s trade war is just beginning, and Nigeria has become its latest battleground.