President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping trade crackdown, imposing a 10% baseline tariff on imports from 185 countries, with some nations facing even higher rates. Among the affected countries, Nigeria will be subject to a 14% tariff on its exports to the United States.
According to the Trump administration, the move is a response to what it describes as unfair trade practices, citing Nigeria’s 27% tariff on U.S. goods as justification for the new measure. Other nations facing increased tariffs include China at 34%, India at 26%, South Korea at 25%, Japan at 24%, and the European Union at 20%.
President Trump defended the decision, stating that it is necessary to correct longstanding trade imbalances that have weakened the U.S. manufacturing sector. The tariffs, he said, are designed to protect American industries and promote economic security.
The new trade policy is set to take effect on April 5, 2025, at 12:01 a.m. EDT. The announcement has sparked concerns among international trading partners, with some nations considering retaliatory tariffs or seeking diplomatic resolutions to mitigate economic impacts.
As global markets react to the policy shift, analysts warn that the decision could strain trade relations and potentially lead to economic disruptions in affected countries, including Nigeria.
