Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced sweeping global tariffs on imports into the United States, imposing a 14% tariff on goods from Nigeria.
According to 2023 data from the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Nigeria exported $6.29 billion worth of goods to the U.S., with crude petroleum ($4.73 billion), petroleum gas ($920 million), and nitrogenous fertilizers ($167 million) as the top exports.
Over the past five years, Nigerian exports to the U.S. have grown at an annual rate of 1.59%, rising from $5.81 billion in 2018 to $6.29 billion in 2023.
Trump’s executive order introduces a “baseline” 10% tariff on all imports, alongside individualized reciprocal tariffs targeting over 60 countries. He warned foreign leaders seeking exemptions to first remove their own trade barriers.
The policy has staggered implementation timelines, with some measures taking effect immediately.
Trump stated that starting at midnight, all foreign-made automobiles would face a 25% tariff.
The general 10% tariff is set to begin on April 5, while higher tariffs on specific countries, including Nigeria, will take effect on April 9.
According to U.S. government data, Nigeria currently imposes a 27% tariff on U.S. imports, factoring in currency manipulation and trade barriers.
In response, Trump has introduced a 14% retaliatory tariff on Nigerian imports.
Other countries, including China and Mexico—already subject to previous tariffs—have been hit with additional levies under the new trade policy.
