The United States has imposed a 15 percent tariff on all Nigerian exports, effective August 7, following a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump on July 31. The policy shift places Nigeria among nearly 40 countries penalised under America’s revised reciprocal tariff framework, aimed at correcting what Washington deems “unbalanced” trade relationships.
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This latest development follows an earlier 14 percent tariff imposed in April, which was temporarily suspended for negotiations. However, with no deal reached, the White House has now moved forward with stricter measures.
“Tariffs are being rebalanced to restore fairness and address systemic trade abuse,” the executive order states, setting a default 15 percent duty for countries with a trade surplus against the U.S. By contrast, nations with a trade deficit will face a lower 10 percent tariff.
According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Nigeria currently maintains a $3.29 billion trade surplus with the United States and is the second-largest U.S. export destination in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Compounding the pressure, the order introduces a 40 percent penalty on transshipments — goods rerouted through third-party countries to sidestep higher tariffs. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has now been empowered to investigate and sanction such practices more aggressively.
The tariff escalation may not stop there. In early July, President Trump warned of an additional 10 percent tariff on any country “aligning itself with the anti-American policies of BRICS.” Nigeria formally joined BRICS as its ninth partner in January 2025, raising fears that its tariffs could soon rise to 25 percent.
“There will be no exceptions to this policy,” Trump warned.
Nigeria’s primary exports to the U.S. are crude oil and petroleum by-products, which account for over 90 percent of its foreign exchange earnings. While oil exports were previously exempt under the April tariff regime, it is unclear whether that exemption will apply under the new directive.
The decision poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to diversify its export base. Products such as cocoa, fertiliser, and value-added goods now face higher landing costs in the U.S. market, potentially stalling recent progress in non-oil export growth.
Trade analysts warn that the new tariffs could have ripple effects across Nigeria’s export-driven sectors, especially if the additional BRICS-related duties come into effect.
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