Trump Targets Nigeria and BRICS Partners with New 10% Tariff Threat
Washington, D.C. – U.S. President Donald Trump, now in his second term, has unveiled a sweeping new tariff policy that directly targets Nigeria and other nations aligned with the BRICS alliance, escalating tensions in global trade.
In a bold announcement made via his Truth Social platform, Trump declared that any country supporting what he termed “Anti-American BRICS policies” will face an additional 10% import tariff, starting August 1, 2025. The move comes as part of a broader strategy to discourage nations from shifting toward what the former president called non-aligned economic blocs.
“There will be no exceptions. Countries aligning with Anti-American BRICS policies will face an additional 10% tariff,” Trump wrote.
Though Trump did not specify which policies triggered the move, the timing coincides with the 2025 BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, where member nations are actively advocating for less reliance on Western financial systems, greater use of local currencies, and structural reforms in global governance.
🇳🇬 Nigeria in the Crosshairs
Nigeria formally joined BRICS as a partner nation in January 2025 and has since backed several of the group’s initiatives, including the push for a multilateral development bank and de-dollarization of trade. These alignments now place Africa’s largest economy in a delicate position as Washington ramps up pressure.
According to U.S. officials, countries have until July 9 to negotiate trade terms or face the new levies, which would stack atop existing tariffs that already range between 10% and 50%.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue a formal response, but the proposed tariffs could have a significant impact on Nigerian exports, especially in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, and light manufacturing.
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🔥 Backlash from BRICS Leaders
Reactions from BRICS capitals have been swift and sharp. Member nations, including China, Brazil, India, Russia, and South Africa, have slammed the U.S. decision as economic intimidation and a clear violation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules.
Trade experts warn that Trump’s approach risks triggering a new wave of global economic fragmentation, with developing nations like Nigeria caught in the middle.
“This is less about trade and more about influence,” said a Lagos-based economist. “Nigeria must now navigate carefully to preserve its partnerships without losing access to key U.S. markets.”
🌍 What This Means for Nigeria
As BRICS continues its campaign for global financial reform, and the U.S. doubles down on economic nationalism, Nigeria finds itself at a strategic crossroads. The country must weigh the benefits of deeper South-South cooperation against the risk of alienating a major Western trade partner.
With the August 1 tariff deadline looming, the coming weeks will be critical in determining how Nigeria responds — diplomatically, economically, and strategically.