US Cuts Nigerian Imports by 41% in July Amid Rising Tariffs, Raising Concerns for Trade Relations
The United States sharply reduced its imports of Nigerian goods by more than 40% in July 2025, signaling a worrying shift in the trade dynamics between the two countries. According to data from the US Census Bureau and Bureau of Economic Analysis, imports fell from $639 million in June to $379 million in July—a dramatic 41% drop that highlights Nigeria’s growing vulnerability in its trade relationship with one of its largest partners.
The contraction in imports coincided with a decline in US exports to Nigeria, which dropped from $919 million in June to $584 million in July. Despite the dip in exports, the US maintained a trade surplus with Nigeria of $206 million in July, down from $280 million in June. Cumulatively, between January and July 2025, US exports to Nigeria totaled $3.92 billion, while imports from the country reached $3.14 billion, leaving the US with a year-to-date surplus of $781 million.
The decline in Nigerian exports comes amid broader shifts in US-Africa trade. While US imports from Africa rose from $3.67 billion in June to $4.47 billion in July, exports to the continent fell slightly from $3.37 billion to $3.30 billion, creating a wider trade deficit of $1.17 billion in July compared to $302 million the previous month. Country-level data shows mixed outcomes: the US enjoyed a surplus with Egypt, but deficits deepened with South Africa, Algeria, and smaller African economies.
Analysts attribute Nigeria’s falling exports to renewed US trade measures under President Donald Trump. In late July, Trump raised tariffs on Nigerian exports from 14% to 15% under a “reciprocal” tariff regime aimed at countries running trade surpluses with the US. While crude oil has received partial exemptions, the higher duties have dampened demand for non-oil goods, directly impacting Nigeria’s export market.
Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Jumoke Oduwole, emphasized that the country would not retaliate but focus on reforms and diversification. She highlighted growth in non-oil exports, stronger engagement with the African Continental Free Trade Area, and efforts to expand trade with partners such as Brazil, China, Japan, and the UAE. “We remain responsive, not reactive,” Oduwole said, underlining Nigeria’s commitment to reducing dependency on the US market while boosting domestic industries.
source: punch