Trump Targets Nigeria with New Tariffs After Brics Submit Partnership
Brics submit participation has placed Nigeria at the center of new global trade tensions, as former U.S. President Donald Trump declared an additional 10% tariff on Nigerian goods. The announcement, made via his Truth Social platform on Sunday, has raised fresh concerns about escalating economic protectionism and its potential impact on emerging markets.
Trump claimed the tariff was in response to what he described as “anti-American policies” upheld by BRICS, a coalition of leading emerging economies. The group originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, but has expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and recently, Nigeria.
Nigeria was officially admitted as a BRICS partner country on January 17, 2025, during an announcement by Brazil. The new status aligns Nigeria alongside Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan, following the group’s decision at the 16th Brics submit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024.
While Trump did not specify which BRICS policies he considers hostile to American interests, his administration previously expressed skepticism towards the bloc’s trade frameworks. The latest tariff declaration coincides with the ongoing BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, where leaders jointly criticized what they termed “unilateral and unjustified protectionist measures.
Tinubu Reaffirms Nigeria’s Commitment at BRICS Submit
At the summit, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to the Brics submit alliance and broader Global South cooperation. In a statement through spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu highlighted shared concerns over climate change, financial restructuring, and global healthcare disparities.
“Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers disproportionately,” Tinubu noted, calling for fairer financial frameworks and greater access to sustainable technologies.
ALSO READ : President Julius Maada Bio Takes Over as ECOWAS Chairman, Succeeding President Tinubu
Tinubu also emphasized youth development, renewable energy, and health reforms as core national priorities within the BRICS framework, reiterating Nigeria’s Vision 2050 and its climate targets.
President Donald Trump announces new tariffs against Nigeria
The U.S. has signaled that the new tariffs will take effect from August 1st for nations without trade agreements with Washington. This follows a 90-day suspension of broader tariffs announced by Trump in April, set to expire imminently, causing uncertainty among trading partners.
BRICS has sought to expand its global influence by promoting South-South cooperation and challenging the dominance of Western-led institutions. The bloc advocates for increased representation of developing nations in international governance and decision-making.
The standoff marks a critical juncture for Nigeria’s trade relations with the United States, potentially impacting key export sectors while highlighting the geopolitical complexities of aligning with emerging economic coalitions.
