In a sweeping move that could reshape Africa–U.S. trade relations, the United States has imposed new tariffs on 21 African nations, with Nigeria now facing a 15% duty on exports to the American market starting August 7.
The decision, signed into law by President Donald Trump, marks the end of Nigeria’s preferential access under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and signals a broader shift toward protectionist trade policies.
As it stands, Nigeria will have to contend with paying a 15% export tariff on goods entering the United States, as 20 other African countries also face tariffs ranging from 15% to 30%.
Nigeria is number 17 on the list of African countries hit by the new U.S. tariffs.
Algeria, Libya and South Africa are the worst hit on the list as they each incurred 30% tariffs.
Others at parity with Nigeria’s tariffs of 15% include Angola, Botswana, Cameroon, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Equatorial Guinea.
Also affected in the new wave of 15% tariffs include: Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
It is noteworthy to stress here that Nigeria previously benefited from the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allowed duty-free access to the U.S. market.
However, AGOA is set to expire on September 30, 2025, meaning Nigerian exports will no longer enjoy preferential treatment.
Earlier, the U.S. cited Nigeria’s failure to negotiate fair trade terms and insufficient alignment with American economic and national security interests.
This move by President Donald Trump comes with significant economic implications as it could increase costs for Nigerian exporters and reduce competitiveness in the U.S. market.
The tariff imposition may pressure Nigeria to enter new trade negotiations with the U.S. to lower or remove tariffs potentially.
Economists noted that the tariffs are part of a broader strategy to force renegotiations and maintain the U.S. “America First” trade stance.
Several African countries have been hit hard in the latest round of trade tariffs announced by the U.S. administration.
On July 31, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order stipulating new reciprocal tariff rates for individual countries.
The order stated that the new tariffs will take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST seven days from the date of the order, i.e., August 7, 2025.
Trump accused many of the countries targeted in the new wave of tariffs of failing to negotiate or offering terms that “do not sufficiently address imbalances”.
The U.S. administration also cited a lack of alignment on broader economic and national security issues as grounds for the new tariffs.
The executive order introduced new tariffs ranging from 10% to 41% for 69 countries, with imports from Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Switzerland, and Syria receiving the highest rates at 40%, 40%, 39%, and 41%, respectively.
Trump also signed another executive order, bringing the total tariff for Brazil to 50% and 35% for goods from Canada.
