"I imposed tariffs on Nigeria due to its ban on 25 American goods" - Trump

​President Donald Trump has imposed a 14% tariff on Nigerian exports to the United States, citing Nigeria's import restrictions on 25 American product categories as the primary reason. ​

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) highlighted that Nigeria's import bans affect U.S. exporters in sectors such as agriculture, pharmaceuticals, beverages, and consumer goods. Specific products impacted include beef, pork, poultry, fruit juices, medicaments, and spirits. These restrictions have created significant trade barriers, leading to lost revenue for U.S. businesses seeking to expand in the Nigerian market. ​

In response to these trade barriers, President Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to address the national emergency posed by the large and persistent trade deficit. Under this authority, he imposed a 10% tariff on all countries, with higher individualized reciprocal tariffs on nations with which the U.S. has significant trade deficits. These tariffs are set to remain in effect until the administration determines that the underlying issues have been resolved. ​

The Nigerian government has expressed concern over the new tariffs, acknowledging potential disruptions to its non-oil exports, which include fertilizers, urea, lead, and agricultural products. While these non-oil exports constitute less than 5% of Nigeria's total shipments, the government views the tariffs as a catalyst to expedite export diversification and enhance compliance with international standards. ​

This development has further strained U.S.-Nigeria trade relations, with both nations facing challenges in navigating the evolving global trade landscape.