Trump Slaps Nigeria With 10% Tariff Over BRICS Ties Amid Growing Global Trade Tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a 10% tariff on Nigeria in response to the country’s recent alignment with BRICS, a global coalition of emerging economies. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that any country supporting the group’s “anti-American policies” would face similar economic penalties, with no exceptions. This decision has stirred concerns about escalating trade tensions and the implications for Nigeria–U.S. relations.

BRICS, originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has grown to include several nations from the Global South, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Iran. Nigeria officially joined as a partner country in January 2025, during the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan. Trump’s tariff announcement came as BRICS leaders gathered in Rio de Janeiro, prompting speculation about the U.S.’s role in future global trade frameworks.

The BRICS bloc swiftly responded to Trump’s remarks with a joint statement condemning “unilateral protectionist measures” and warning that such actions threaten global economic stability. The group emphasized the importance of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules and criticized trade policies that could widen inequalities and disrupt international markets. Though Trump didn’t specify which BRICS policies he opposes, the statement suggests a growing rift between the U.S. and the Global South.

At the summit, President Bola Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to BRICS and its shared vision for a restructured global order. He highlighted climate change, healthcare disparities, and equitable access to technology and finance as common priorities among BRICS members. Tinubu also underscored Africa’s disproportionate suffering from global emissions and urged fair treatment of developing nations.

Trump’s tariffs are set to take effect on August 1st, following a 90-day pause announced in April. The move may impact Nigeria’s export-driven sectors and worsen trade relations between both countries. Meanwhile, Nigeria continues to advocate for a more inclusive international order, positioning itself as a key player in South-South cooperation and sustainable development within the BRICS framework.

Source: Business day