Nigeria to face new 10% US tariffs from Trump over BRICS partnership

President Donald Trump has announced that Nigeria will face an extra 10% tariff for joining BRICS, a group of emerging economies that he claims follow “anti-American policies.”

The US president made this announcement on Sunday through his Truth Social platform, creating fresh concerns about global trade relationships.

BRICS is an international group that originally included Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The organisation has since expanded to include Saudi Arabia, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. The group describes itself as “a political and diplomatic coordination forum for countries from the Global South and for coordination in the most diverse areas.”

Nigeria officially became the ninth partner country of BRICS on 17th January 2025, when Brazil announced the country’s formal admission. Nigeria joins Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Thailand, Uganda, and Uzbekistan as partner countries. This partner-country status was created during the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan in October 2024.

Trump’s announcement did not explain exactly which BRICS policies he considers “anti-American.” The threat comes as BRICS leaders are currently meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Read Also: Tinubu seeks global re-evaluation of governance structure, others at BRICS

“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 said in a post on Truth Social Sunday evening, stateside.

The BRICS leaders appeared to criticise Trump’s tariff policies in a joint statement on Sunday. Without directly naming the US, they warned against “unjustified unilateral protectionist measures, including the indiscriminate increase of reciprocal tariffs.”

The leaders expressed “serious concerns about the rise of unilateral tariff and non-tariff measures which distort trade and are inconsistent with WTO rules,” warning that the “proliferation of trade-restrictive actions” threatens to disrupt the global economy and worsen existing economic disparities.

Tinubu reaffirms commitment to BRICS

At the BRICS Summit, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the partnership and the Global South alliance. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu declared: “Nigeria, therefore, associates with what I have heard today and all that has happened in BRICS. The next issues are financial restructuring and reevaluation of the global structure.”

President Tinubu highlighted several key concerns that Nigeria shares with other BRICS nations, including environmental issues, climate change, and global healthcare inequalities.

“Africa has contributed the least to global emissions but suffers the most,” he added.

The president emphasised Nigeria’s need for fair treatment in global affairs, calling for “a new path of justice, anchored in fairness, sustainable technology transfer, and accessible financing, so that emerging economies can fully benefit from various initiatives.”

“The African continent is creating the path through the African Carbon Market Initiative and the Great Green Wall. We believe that COP-30 will strengthen our resolve to adopt a strategic approach to achieving a healthy global environment.

“Nigeria strongly believes in South-South cooperation. We can, therefore, not be passive participants in global decision-making on financial restructuring, debt forgiveness, climate change, environmental issues, and healthcare.

“We must be the architects of a future that addresses the specific needs and concerns of youths, who represent 70 per cent of our population in Nigeria. Therefore, Nigeria remains guided by our long-term vision, 2050, and nationally determined contribution.

“We are taking bold steps to accelerate renewable energy adoption, mainstream climate action, promote nature-based solutions, strengthen urban resilience, champion South-South cooperation, align with the global renewal framework and achieve universal health coverage for all,” the President stated.

President Tinubu also stressed the importance of addressing health issues collectively, particularly non-communicable diseases.

“As we approach COP-30 and look to strengthen the global health system, we believe the BRICS must not only be a bloc for emerging economies but also a beacon for emerging solutions and resolutions rooted in solidarity, self-reliance, sustainability, and shared prosperity of a common future.

“Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to strategic collaboration that translates into sustainable and inclusive development for all,” he noted.

What does this mean for trade?

The Trump administration has indicated that tariffs announced in April will take effect on August 1st, rather than the originally planned July 9th, for countries that haven’t reached agreements with the US.

In April, Trump announced a 90-day pause on steep tariffs he had unveiled against most trading partners. That pause is due to expire on Wednesday, causing concern amongst investors and US trading partners.

BRICS aims to improve economic, political, and social cooperation amongst its members. The group also seeks to “increase the influence of Global South countries in international governance.” The organisation represents countries that see themselves as alternatives to Western-dominated international institutions and want more say in global decision-making.