U.S. President Donald Trump has officially imposed a 15% tariff on imports from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Uganda, Mozambique, Mauritius, Ghana, Malawi, Lesotho, Madagascar, and several other African nations, according to a White House executive order issued Thursday.
The directive, titled “Further Modifying the Reciprocal Tariff Rates,” takes effect immediately for goods entering the U.S. market. “These modifications shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m.,” the order stated.
The policy also introduced higher tariffs for select African economies, including a 30% levy on South Africa and Libya, and a 25% duty on Tunisia. The move extends beyond Africa, with the U.S. applying a 10% tariff on the United Kingdom, 25% on India, and 15% on Japan, among others.
This follows an April 2, 2025, executive order in which the Trump administration first announced sweeping import tariffs targeting multiple countries, including Nigeria. Analysts suggest the measures aim to pressure nations into renegotiating trade terms favorable to U.S. interests.
African governments have yet to issue formal responses, but the tariffs risk straining diplomatic relations and disrupting export-dependent economies. Nigeria, for instance, shipped $3.4 billion worth of goods—primarily crude oil, cocoa, and machinery parts—to the U.S. in 2024.
The White House has not clarified whether exemptions or phased adjustments will apply. Experts warn the policy could trigger retaliatory measures, further escalating global trade tensions.
