Abuja, July 8, 2025 — The United States, under a policy directive announced by former President Donald Trump, is poised to impose an additional 10 percent tariff on Nigerian exports if the country’s alignment with BRICS is judged to follow what Washington describes as “anti‑American policies.”
Announced on Truth Social on July 7, Trump stated that “Any country aligning themselves with the Anti‑American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10 percent Tariff. There will be no exceptions”. This measure is positioned as a complement to a wider tariff package set to take effect August 1: a 10 percent baseline tariff on all non‑exempt nations, with Nigeria facing an extra layer due to its BRICS connection .
Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, part of an expansion that included Egypt, Indonesia, Cuba, and others—placing it squarely within scope of Trump’s tariff policy .
Although the move remains contingent—intended to deter policies seen as adversarial to the United States, and lacking formal legal enactment—the announcement has triggered concern over its implications for Nigeria’s export growth and economic recovery . Experts warn an additional import duty could weaken non‑oil sectors, undermine AfCFTA advantages, and strain fiscal planning .
As Abuja watches closely, government officials are expected to engage Washington through trade diplomacy, appeal for carve‑outs, and explore alternative markets to mitigate potential fallout before the August 1 deadline.
