In a sweeping move that could reshape global trade relations, U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a fresh 15 percent import tariff on Nigeria and several other African countries.
The new tariffs, contained in an Executive Order titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates,” were announced in a White House statement released Thursday. The order specifies that the revised rates will take effect from 12:01 a.m. on the implementation date, impacting goods “entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption.”
Countries hit by the new 15% tariff include: Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Ghana, Malawi, Lesotho and Madagascar
Other African countries face even steeper penalties, with South Africa and Libya slapped with a 30% tariff, and Tunisia with 25%.
But the tariffs weren’t limited to Africa. Key U.S. trade partners across the globe also made the list: India – 25%, Japan – 15%, United Kingdom – 10%
This move follows a similar tariff order signed on April 2, 2025, which also targeted Nigeria and other global economies. At the time, policy think tank Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) warned that such measures could deal a major blow to Nigeria’s export-driven sectors and increase inflationary pressures domestically.
Trade analysts say the tariffs could complicate Nigeria’s access to the U.S. market, especially for non-oil exports, and dampen investor confidence at a time when the country is trying to attract foreign capital.
While Washington says the tariff hike is aimed at ensuring “reciprocal trade fairness,” African leaders and trade advocates are calling for urgent diplomatic engagement to avoid economic fallout.