Trump Slams Nigeria with 14% Tariffs Over Ban on American Goods

By: Manoah kikekon 

U.S President Donald Trump [Photo credit: Britannica]

U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 14% tariff on Nigerian exports, retaliating against the country’s restrictions on 25 categories of American products, including food and pharmaceuticals.

In a move that has intensified global trade tensions, President Trump announced new tariffs targeting Nigeria, citing "unfair" trade barriers imposed by the African nation. The decision follows Nigeria’s import ban on key U.S. goods, which the Trump administration claims harms American businesses.  

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) outlined Nigeria’s import restrictions as the primary reason for the new tariffs. Nigeria’s ban affects 25 product categories, including beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits—limiting opportunities for U.S. exporters.  

“Nigeria’s policies create significant trade barriers, costing American businesses revenue and market access,” the USTR stated. The administration argues that Nigeria maintains an average 27% tariff on U.S. goods, justifying Trump’s retaliatory measures.  

Trump’s sweeping tariffs have sent shockwaves through the global economy, triggering sharp declines in stock markets worldwide. Within 24 hours of the announcement, the world’s top 500 billionaires lost a combined $208 billion—the fourth-largest single-day drop in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index history.  

Countries like China and Canada have already retaliated, with Beijing imposing a 34% tariff on U.S. goods and restricting exports of rare earth minerals, pharmaceuticals, and food products. Analysts warn that the escalating trade war could further destabilize the global economy.  

With Nigeria now facing higher U.S. tariffs, experts speculate whether the West African nation will reconsider its import bans or seek alternative trade partnerships. As tensions rise, businesses on both sides brace for the financial fallout.  

Will Nigeria back down, or will this trade standoff deepen? The world watches as Trump’s aggressive trade policies continue reshaping global commerce.