United States President Donald Trump has enforced a 15 percent import tariff on Nigeria and several other African countries as part of a broader overhaul of global trade policies.
Gatekeepers News reports that the White House confirmed the implementation of revised reciprocal tariffs on Thursday.
Earlier in April, Nigeria had been subjected to a 14 percent import tariff under Trump’s initial tariff directive. However, enforcement was delayed for 90 days to allow negotiations for bilateral trade agreements, pushing the deadline to August 1.
Despite the extension, most negotiations failed, prompting the U.S. to activate its new tariff structure. No African country succeeded in securing a trade deal with the U.S., despite active efforts from both sides.
During this period, the Trump administration also introduced travel restrictions targeting several African nations. Nigeria, initially exempt, was eventually included as the policy evolved.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, expressed that West African nations were eager to expand trade with the U.S. but pointed to the travel bans as a major hindrance.
As part of the updated structure, Nigeria falls into the 15 percent tariff group, alongside countries like Ghana, Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Turkey, South Korea, and Japan. Other nations face varying rates, ranging from 10 percent to as high as 50 percent.
For instance, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam are subject to 20 percent tariffs, while countries like Algeria and South Africa face a 30 percent rate. Canada was hit with a 35 percent tariff, while Mexico faces multiple levies including 25 percent on cars and a 50 percent duty on metals.
Meanwhile, China remains locked in trade negotiations with the U.S., as tensions between the two economic giants continue.
