In a move that has sent shockwaves through global trade circles, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that Nigeria and other partner nations of BRICS will face an additional 10% tariff for what he called alignment with the bloc’s “anti-American policies.”
Trump made the declaration via a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, without citing any specific BRICS policy that triggered the action.
“Any Country aligning itself with the anti-American policies of BRICS will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% Tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy,” Trump stated.
The announcement comes as the 17th BRICS Summit continues in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with leaders of the bloc pushing back against what they described as “unjustified unilateral protectionist measures.”
In a joint statement released on Sunday, BRICS nations criticized the rise of unilateral tariffs and warned against measures that “distort trade” and contravene World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. While the statement did not directly name the U.S., it clearly referenced the sweeping trade penalties championed by Trump during and after his presidency.
Nigeria’s inclusion in the controversy follows its recent admission as a BRICS partner country, a move officially confirmed by the Brazilian government on January 17, 2025. Nigeria joined a growing list of BRICS partner nations, including Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan.
The tariff threat has sparked concern among Nigerian economic stakeholders, who fear the move could worsen trade conditions, affect exports, and send ripples through already fragile economic sectors.
Analysts warn that Trump’s posture could reignite trade tensions and deepen global economic divisions, especially if implemented in a potential second term.
As the BRICS summit continues, attention now shifts to how Nigeria and other partner nations will respond to what some are calling a “trade war warning shot” from one of the most influential figures in American politics.
