Donald Trump’s Tariff Is Bad For Nigerian Exports – FG

The Federal Government has come out to say that several of Nigeria’s oil and non-oil exports are set to face adverse effects due to the newly imposed tariffs by Donald Trump on Nigerian exports.

The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole recently had her say while speaking to the press, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to him, Nigeria’s exports to the United States have averaged $5–6 bn annually in the last two years, and the new tariff on vital categories can negatively affect the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S. market.

She added that it can also destabilize businesses in the non-oil sector, affecting both price competitiveness and market access.

Her words, “Nigeria’s exports to the United States in the last two years have consistently ranged between $5 and $5–6 bn annually.

A significant portion—over 90 per cent —comprises crude petroleum, mineral fuels, oils, and gas products. The second-largest export category, accounting for approximately 2–3 per cent, includes fertilisers and urea, followed by lead, representing around one per cent of total exports (valued at approx. $82m).

Nigeria also exports smaller quantities of agricultural products such as live plants, flour, and nuts, which account for less than two per cent of our total exports to the U.S.

While oil has long dominated Nigeria’s exports to the US, non-oil products—many previously exempt under AGOA—now face potential disruption.

A new 10 per cent tariff on key categories may impact the competitiveness of Nigerian goods in the U.S. For businesses in the non-oil sector, these measures pre-destabilise challenges to price competitiveness and market access, especially in emerging and value-added sectors vital to our diversification agenda.

SMEs building their business models around AGOA exemptions will face the pressures of rising costs and uncertain buyer commitments.

This development strengthens Nigeria’s resolve to boost its non-oil exports by strengthening quality assurance, control, and traceability in Nigerian exports to meet global standards and improve market acceptance in more economies across the globe.”

WOW.