Washington, D.C., July 9, 2025 — Global trade tensions are escalating following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a fresh 10% tariff hike on imports from Nigeria and other nations aligned with the BRICS bloc. The move, unveiled via Trump’s Truth Social account on Sunday, targets countries he accuses of supporting “anti-American policies.”
The tariff threat comes amid the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, where Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the bloc’s vision for a multipolar global order. Nigeria, which joined BRICS as a partner country in January 2025, now faces potential economic fallout from the U.S. decision.
“There will be no exceptions to this policy,” Trump declared, intensifying his administration’s confrontational trade stance. The tariffs are set to take effect on August 1, following a 90-day pause initiated in April to allow for trade negotiations.
Nigeria’s Economic Vulnerability
Nigeria’s economy, already grappling with high inflation and sluggish growth, could be significantly impacted. Over 90% of Nigerian exports to the U.S. consist of crude oil and petroleum products, with smaller volumes of fertilisers, agricultural goods, and manufactured items also at risk.
Experts warn that the new tariffs could undermine Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its export base. “This tariff risks stifling nascent industries and dampening investor confidence,” said Clifford Egbomeade, a public economic analyst.
BRICS Response and Global Implications
BRICS leaders issued a joint statement expressing “serious concerns” over unilateral tariff measures, warning that such actions threaten to fragment the global economy and violate WTO norms. China, a founding BRICS member, emphasized that the bloc does not seek confrontation and advocates “win-win cooperation.”
The African Union (AU) is preparing a consolidated trade proposal under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework to counter the U.S. tariffs. AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf called for Africa to “speak with one voice” against unilateral trade penalties.
Diplomatic Crossroads
Nigeria now faces a delicate balancing act between deepening ties with BRICS and maintaining its strategic relationship with the United States. “The real imperative is for Nigeria to double down on trade diplomacy,” said Tunde Abidoye of FBNQuest Merchant Bank.
As the U.S. prepares to host a U.S.-Africa Summit later this year and BRICS expands its influence, the global trade landscape is entering a new phase of geopolitical realignment—one that could redefine the rules of engagement for emerging economies.
U.S. Tariff Hike on Nigeria and BRICS Sparks Global Trade Tensions
